Rotator cuff rehabilitation: current theories and practice. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Osborne, Jeffrey D.; Gowda, Ashok L.; Wiater, Brett; Wiater, J. Michael
• Is Part Of: Physician and sportsmedicine. Volume 44:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 85
• Page End: 92
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: Rotator cuff -- Rotator cuff tear -- Rotator cuff repair -- Physiotherapy -- Rotator cuff rehabilitation -- Management rotator cuff; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Sports Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine du sport -- Périodiques; Sports medicine; Sportgeneeskunde; Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1080/00913847.2016.1108883
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0091-3847

Abstract

Abstract: A fully functioning, painless shoulder joint is essential to maintain a healthy, normal quality of life. Disease of the rotator cuff tendons (RCTs) is a common issue that affects the population, increasing with age, and can lead to significant disability and social and health costs. RCT injuries can affect younger, healthy patients and the elderly alike, and may be the result of trauma or occur as a result of chronic degeneration. They can be acutely painful, limited to certain activities or completely asymptomatic and incidental findings. A wide variety of treatment options exists ranging from conservative local and systemic pain modalities, to surgical fixation. Regardless of management ultimately chosen, physiotherapy of the RCT, rotator cuff muscles and surrounding shoulder girdle plays an essential role in proper treatment. Length of treatment, types of therapy and timing may vary if therapy is definitive care or part of a postoperative protocol. Allowing time for adequate RCT healing must always be considered when implementing ROM and strengthening after surgery. With current rehabilitation methods, patients with all spectrums of RCT pathology can improve their function, pain and quality of life. This manuscript reviews current theories and practice involving rehabilitation for RCT injuries.