ICPHSP4013

                                                                                                         

   “Results of physiotherapy in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome: a systematic review of the literature”                             Click here to download Pdf file.   

 

 

Authors:       

1Enkeleda Sinaj,RN,MSN,PhD candidate

1Vjollca Ndreu, RN,MSN,PhD candidate,

1Tatjana Nurka,Prof.Dr.

1Ermir Sinaj, RN,MSc

1Selda Veizaj, RN,MSc

2Fatjona Kamberi, RN,MSN,PhD candidate,

1Yllka Themeli,MD,PhD

                

Affiliations:  

1University of Medicine, Faculty of Technical Medical Science of Tirana,Albania

2Faculty of Public Health, University of Vlore”Ismail Qemali”,Vlore Albania

 

 

Abstract:

Background: Rehabilitation of the patient with gleno-humeral impingement requires a complete understanding of the structures involved and the underlying mechanism creating the impingement response

 

Purpose: To critically summarize the effectiveness of physiotherapy in patients presenting clinical signs of shoulder impingement syndrome. Design: Systematic review.

 

Methods: Randomized controlled trials were searched electronically and manually from 1990 to September 2011. Study quality was independently assessed by 2 reviewers using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale.

 

Results: Sixteen studies were included, with a mean quality score of 6.9 points out of 10. Many different diagnostic criteria for shoulder impingement syndrome were applied. Physiotherapist- led exercises and surgery were equally effective treatments for shoulder impingement syndrome in the long term. Also, home-based exercises were as effective as combined physiotherapy interventions. Adding manual therapy to exercise programmes may have an additional benefit on pain at 3 weeks follow-up. Moderate evidence exists that passive treatments are not effective and cannot be justified.

 

Conclusion: This review shows an equal effectiveness of physiotherapist-led exercises compared with surgery in the long term and of home-based exercises compared with combined physiotherapy interventions in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome in the short and long term; passive treatments cannot be recommended for shoulder impingement syndrome. However, the samples were small, and different diagnostic criteria were applied, which makes a firm conclusion difficult. More high-quality trials with longer follow-ups are recommended.

 

Key words:

shoulder impingement syndrome, physical