The use of evidence-based practices for the management of shoulder impingement syndrome among Indian physical therapists: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: The understanding of the pathomechanics of shoulder impingement has evolved over the years. Likewise, assessment techniques and effective treatment strategies have also been developed. Physical therapists should keep up-to-date on the current evidence. Objective: This study explored the practices currently used by Indian physical therapists for the assessment and management of shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS). Method: Using an online questionnaire, therapists were asked to declare the causes, methods of assessment and their choices of physical therapy techniques for the management of SIS. The proportions of therapists using different techniques were analyzed descriptively, and comparisons across gender, experience level, and training were made. Data were analyzed to see if the choices of respondents compared with their responses for etiology. Results: A total of 211 responses were analyzed. Most respondents (>75%) believed that overuse and abnormal motion/posture are the most significant causes of SIS. However, fewer respondents reported assessing posture (60.2%) and dyskinesis, especially in women (24.2%). Ninety-four percent of the respondents reported using exercises, but exercise prescription was rather generic. Therapists additionally trained in the techniques of joint mobilization or taping declared using these techniques more frequently. The use of interferential therapy and ultrasound was reported by 89.5% and 98.4% of respondents, respectively Conclusion: Most therapists declared awareness of current recommended practices, but patient assessment, exercise prescription, and use of electrotherapy modalities were only partially based on current evidence. The study helps to identify gaps in current physical therapy approaches to SIS in India.

Do physical therapists follow evidence-based guidelines when managing musculoskeletal conditions? Systematic review

“…After removing duplicates and screening 8567 titles and abstracts and 254 full-texts reports, 94 studies were included (figure 1). Physical therapy treatment choices were investigated for low back pain (n=48 studies),11–58 knee pain (n=10),32 34 57 59–65 neck pain or whiplash (n=11),15 18 32 34 51 66–71 foot or ankle pain (n=5),72–76 shoulder pain (n=7),15 51 77–81 pre or post knee arthroplasty (n=6)46 82–86 (including one study of hip and knee arthroplasty86) and other musculoskeletal or orthopaedic conditions (where treatment choices were only reported in one study or where one of either recommended or not recommended treatments could not be inferred from guidelines or systematic reviews) (n=18) 87–104. We contacted 15 authors for data (regarding 18 studies): 12 responded and 5 were able to provide the data we requested (regarding six studies) 15 16 22 64 89 100.…”

“…Seven studies investigated treatment choices for shoulder pain: four15 78 80 81 focused on subacromial pain syndrome (the most common form of shoulder pain105), two77 79 included patients with various diagnoses (including subacromial pain syndrome) and one51 did not specify a diagnosis (online supplementary table 4). Evidence on the management of subacromial pain syndrome was used to categorise treatment choices for all studies on shoulder pain.…”

Primera encuesta online sobre el abordaje kinésico de las afecciones de hombro en Argentina

“…5 De esta manera surge la necesidad de éstos de actualizarse día a día en nuevas tendencias y cambios en la disciplina. 6 Los kinesiólogos realizan numerosas intervenciones incluyendo evaluaciones específicas, ejercicios, terapia manual y utilización de agentes de fisioterapia, entre…”

“…Esto quiere decir que se piensa diferente en lo referente a la etiología, la manera de arribar al diagnóstico y el abordaje adecuado. 6 Con respecto al diagnóstico, habitualmente es necesario realizar pruebas clínicas. Las mismas son utilizadas por el 65% de nuestros encuestados.…”

Association of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome with BMI in Younger Adults with Reporting Shoulder Pain

“…Neer's claimed that the irregular form of acromion causes the rotator cuff tendons to be mechanically squeezed when they pass beneath the coracoacromial arch. 4 . Swimmer's shoulder is a general word that does not specify a particular clinical diagnosis.…”