Introduction: This case report describes the outcomes of a patient with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) treated with manual therapy (MT) in an outpatient physical therapy setting. IPF is a life-threatening interstitial lung disease, often requiring lung transplant for prolonged health related quality of life and survival. There is little literature to support use of MT for IPF.
Clinical findings: The patient was a 66-year-old male with IPF and on the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN). The patient was dependent on oxygen and referred to physical therapy with neck pain, shoulder pain, and headaches. Evaluation revealed impairments classified as thoracic hypomobility paired with upper extremity referred pain, shoulder impairments and neck pain. Headaches were classified as cervicogenic in nature.
Outcomes: Improved objective measures of cardiovascular function and quality of life pre- and post- transplant were observed in this patient after 14 treatment visits.
Discussion: The utilization of MT appeared to address the patient's impairments, improved quality of life, improved pulmonary function and improved transplant outcomes.
Keywords: Impairment-based classification; physical therapy; pulmonary function; thoracic spine.