Ewa Grymel-Kulesza, Anna Polak, Janusz Kubacki, Bronisława Skrzep-Poloczek, Piotr Król

Ewa Grymel-Kulesza, Anna Polak, Janusz Kubacki, Bronisława Skrzep-Poloczek, Piotr Król – The effect of a multi-modality therapy including active exercises, classic massage, cryotherapy and a combination of ultrasound and electrical stimulation on rotator cuff injuries. Fizjoterapia Polska 2007; 7(2), 107-123

Abstract

Background. The study assessed the effectiveness of a multi-modality therapy for shoulder rotator cuff injuries. The treatment included kinesitherapy, classic massage therapy, cryotherapy and ‘the combination treatment’ (ultrasound plus electrical stimulation). The effects of cryotherapy and the combination treatment for rotator cuff injuries were compared. Materials and methods. The study involved 30 patients with confirmed chronic symptoms of rotator cuff injury. The patients were assigned at random to two groups. Exercises and classic massage of the shoulder area (according to a uniform program) were used in both groups. Additionally, one group (Group A) was exposed to a combination treatment comprising ultrasound and electric stimulation of trigger points in the rotator cuff muscles, whereas Group B was treated with cryotherapy of the shoulder area. Criteria for assessing treatment effectiveness included changes in mobility of the shoulder joint, strength of the rotators, and the presence and intensity of pain. Results and Conclusions. The treatment produced significant and positive effects in both groups. Treatment effects were somewhat better in Group A than in Group B, with statistically significant between-group differences with respect to pain reduction and improved mobility and strength of some muscles. Multi-modality physiotherapy including kinesitherapy and the combination therapy (ultrasound and TENS) is an effective method for treating the sequelae of rotator cuff injuries. Direct combination therapy of myofascial trigger points offers somewhat better results than cryotherapy.

Key words:

injuries of rotator cuff, physiotherapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, cryotherapy, combination treatment

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