® T t STUDY DESIGN:Systematic review and metaanalysis. T t OBJECTIVES:To evaluate the efficacy of manual therapy (MT) for patients with rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy. T t BACKGROUND:Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder, for which MT is a common intervention used by physical therapists. However, evidence regarding the efficacy of MT is inconclusive. T t METHODS:A literature search using terms related to shoulder, RC tendinopathy, and MT was conducted in 4 databases to identify randomized controlled trials that compared MT to any other type of intervention to treat RC tendinopathy. Randomized controlled trials were assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Meta-analyses or qualitative syntheses of evidence were performed. T t RESULTS:Twenty-one studies were included.The majority had a high risk of bias. Only 5 studies had a score of 69% or greater, indicating a moderate to low risk of bias. A small but statistically significant overall effect for pain reduction of MT compared with a placebo or in addition to another intervention was observed (n = 406), which may or may not be clinically important, given a mean difference of 1.1 (95% confidence interval: 0.6, 1.6) on a 10-cm visual analog scale. Adding MT to an exercise program (n = 226) significantly decreased pain (mean difference, 1.0; 95% confidence interval: 0.7, 1.4), as reported on a 10-cm visual analog scale, which may or may not be clinically important. Based on qualitative analyses, it is unclear whether MT used alone or added to an exercise program improves function. T t CONCLUSION:For patients with RC tendinopathy, based on low-to moderate-quality evidence, MT may decrease pain; however, it is unclear whether it can improve function. More methodologically sound studies are needed to make definitive conclusions. T t LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:Therapy, level 1a-. Ther 2015;45(5):330-350. Epub 26 Mar 2015. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015 T t KEY WORDS: mobilization, physical therapy, shoulder impingement syndrome, shoulder pain S houlder pain is highly prevalent and among mus culoskeletal disorders is the third most common reason for visiting a primary care physician. 16,33,46 As many as two thirds of people who have shoulder complaints receive a diagnosis of rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy. 46 Rotator cuff tendinopathy often leads to decreased function, 34 lower health related quality of life, 34 poor sleep quality, 47 and work absenteeism. J Orthop Sports Phys 40Rotator cuff tendinopathy is a broad diagnosis, and mounting evidence suggests that diagnoses such as shoulder impingement syndrome, RC tendinitis/ tendinosis, as well as subacromial bursitis may be considered as the same clinical entity. 19 Conservative treatment of RC tendinopathy generally includes rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and rehabilitation interventions such as exercise.19 High-level evidence supports exercise as an effective treatment. 20 In conjunction with exercise, physical therapists often add manual therapy (MT) interventions to address impairm...
Background: Kinesiotaping (KT) has been widely used in clinical practice. Current evidence is insufficient to support the use of KT for treating rotator cuff–related shoulder pain (RCRSP), as its mid- and long-term effects have not been investigated. Hypotheses: Individuals using KT will achieve faster improvements in symptoms and functional limitations compared with those not using it. They will also present a greater increase in pain-free range of motion (ROM) and acromiohumeral distance (AHD) at the end of the treatment. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial (NCT02881021). Level of evidence: Therapy, level 1b. Methods: A total of 52 individuals with RCRSP, randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups (experimental: KT; control: no-KT), underwent a 6-week rehabilitation program composed of 10 physical therapy sessions. KT was added to the treatment of the KT group. Symptoms and functional limitations were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire (primary outcome); Brief Pain Inventory (BPI); and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index at baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months. AHD, pain-free ROM, and full ROM were measured at baseline and at week 6. The effects of KT were assessed using a nonparametric analysis for longitudinal data. Results: No significant group × time interactions (0.112 ≤ P ≤ 0.726) were found for all outcomes. Time effects were observed as both groups showed significant improvements for all studied outcomes (DASH, BPI, and WORC, p < 0.0001; AHD, p = 0.017; pain-free ROM, p < 0.0001; and full ROM abduction, p ≤ 0.0001). Conclusion: Whereas symptoms, functional limitations, ROM, and AHD improved in both groups, the addition of KT did not lead to superior outcomes compared with exercise-based treatment alone, in the mid and long term, for individuals with RCRSP. Clinical Relevance: Clinicians should not expect supplementary mid- or long-term gains with KT to reduce pain, improve shoulder function and ROM, or increase AHD if a rehabilitation program focusing on shoulder neuromuscular control is concurrently provided as treatment for individuals with RCRSP.
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