Date of Award
2022
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Department
Physical Therapy
First Advisor
Relling, David
Abstract
Background and Purpose: A rotator cuff repair (RCR) is the broad term for an operation that is effective in treating the damaged muscles and/or tendons that support the shoulder and hold it in place, as well as facilitate active movement of the shoulder. This case study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy following an RCR and discusses the outcomes experienced by the patient.
Case Description: The patient was a 54-year-old female who received post-surgical physical therapy 7 weeks following arthroscopic surgery to her right rotator cuff and was seen in outpatient therapy for 8 treatments following the initial evaluation (for a total of 9 sessions).
Interventions: The therapy treatments initially consisted of passive ROM and grade I-II glenohumeral mobilizations to improve motion and pain symptoms after being immobilized for 6 weeks. The therapy interventions progressed toward AAROM and then with AROM and light strengthening as tolerated.
Outcomes: Over the course of treatment, the patient was able to increase her overall active shoulder range of motion to 67.8-73.9% of published normal ROM in all directions as well as improve upon activity tolerance with strengthening and ROM exercises in therapy. The patient also reported a decrease in right shoulder pain from a 6/10 at initial evaluation to 3/10 by the final visit.
Discussion: The patient responded positively to the treatment plan set out by physical therapy and demonstrated noticeable gains. Established therapy goals were on track to be met successfully when the patient stopped coming to therapy for unknown reasons, and hence, a final goals assessment was inconclusive for this patient. This plan of care appeared to have strong benefits for this patient, but further research is needed to determine the most optimal treatment protocol to rehabilitate a post-operative rotator cuff repair.
Recommended Citation
Hanson, Jager Lane, "Rehabilitation Post Rotator Cuff Repair Secondary to Rotator Cuff Tear: A Case Study" (2022). Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects. 789.
https://commons.und.edu/pt-grad/789