Rotator Cuff Rehabilitation: A Survey of Practice in India

Abstract

Background- Rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RcRSp) and Rotator cuff (RC) tears constitute a significant amount of the caseload of shoulder disorders. Rehabilitation following surgical repair of the cuff is designed according to the stage of healing and has been widely studied with varying opinions on its progression.The present study aimed to describe the practice of rehabilitation following RC repair in India. Study Design - Cross-sectional descriptive survey study Methods- A content validated questionnaire to describe the rehabilitation practice following RC repair was developed and converted into an online survey. Results- We analysed 125 responses from physiotherapists. Majority of the participants commenced passive range of motion (ROM) and scapular exercises in the first week, active ROM in 4-6 weeks. Wide variability exists in commencing glenohumeral strengthening exercises. Conclusion-Rehabilitation practices show variability, with certain similarities to practice in other countries and non-uniform concordance to existing guidelines.