Rotator cuff disorders: An updated survey of current (2023) UK physiotherapy practice

Moffatt, Maria; Lalande, Stacey; Maher, Natasha; Littlewood, Chris

Abstract

BackgroundClinical guidelines recommend treatment by a physiotherapist for people with shoulder pain due to rotator cuff disorder. Despite this recommendation, research evidence supporting the effectiveness of treatment by a physiotherapist is uncertain. While developing a randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness of treatment by a physiotherapist for people with shoulder pain due to rotator cuff disorders we first aimed to understand current practice as a basis for defining usual care.MethodsAn online survey was developed based on a clinical vignette used in a previous survey exploring physiotherapy practice for people with shoulder pain due to rotator cuff disorder. UK-based physiotherapists were invited to complete the survey via X and email across professional networks.Results170 complete responses were received. 167 (98%) respondents would offer advice/education to patients with shoulder rotator cuff disorders; 146 (86%) would use isotonic exercise (including concentric/eccentric strengthening); 20 (12%) would offer a corticosteroid injection; 7 (4%) would use joint mobilisation. 168/169 (99%) would offer in-person assessment; 115 (68%) expect to deliver treatment over 3-4 sessions. 50% agreed there is uncertainty about the effectiveness of physiotherapy treatment for patients with shoulder rotator cuff disorders. 76% agreed that patients with this condition can recover without physiotherapy intervention. ConclusionsExercise and advice remain the most common treatments offered by physiotherapists for people with shoulder pain due to rotator cuff disorder. Corticosteroid injections are infrequently considered. Uncertainty about the effectiveness of treatment by a physiotherapist for shoulder pain due to rotator cuff disorder is evident.

Citation

Moffatt, M., Lalande, S., Maher, N., & Littlewood, C. (2024). Rotator cuff disorders: An updated survey of current (2023) UK physiotherapy practice. Musculoskeletal Care, 22, https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1872

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 16, 2024
• Publication Date: Feb 26, 2024
• Deposit Date: Nov 11, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 12, 2024
• Journal: Musculoskeletal Care
• Print ISSN: 1478-2189
• Electronic ISSN: 1557-0681
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 22
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1872
• Keywords: Rotator cuff, shoulder pain, physiotherapy, exercise, survey