A recent study published in the Journal of Shoulder & Elbow Surgery set out to determine why patients choose to undergo surgical repair for rotator cuff tears. The findings are quite interesting.
The Study
The study examined 433 patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears who were deemed to be failing nonoperative treatment. 87 of these patients underwent rotator cuff surgery repair.
The aim of the study was to determine the predictors of the failure of nonoperative treatment of rotator cuff tears and why patients choose to undergo surgery for rotator cuff injuries.
Results & Conclusions
The study found that many patients choose to undergo rotator cuff surgery because they have low expectations that physical therapy will resolve their rotator cuff issue. A good portion of the population can resolve symptoms secondary to a rotator cuff repair via a conservative rehab program and not surgery. Unfortunately this study concluded that patients currently have low expectations of physical therapy, and this, as opposed to the patient’s symptoms or magnitude of the rotator cuff tear determined whether they moved forward with their surgery.
Twin Cities Shoulder Rehab
Physical therapy services vary greatly and the knowledge gained from this study reiterates the importance of selecting a physical therapy provider that specializes in shoulder care to ensure a maximal outcome which commonly is the resolution of pain symptoms with the return to a normative lifestyle without surgical intervention.
OrthoRehab Specialists have over twenty-five years of experience treating patients for rotator cuff tears. Our therapists have relationships with more than 600 physicians who routinely refer their patients to us for physical therapy care. If you have suffered a rotator cuff tear, or are experiencing shoulder pain, physical therapy may be the best way to manage your pain and regain functionality. Contact our physical therapists in Minneapolis or Edina today to schedule your appointment.