Utility of Ultrasound on Musculoskeletal Pathology in Hands of a Rehabilitation Specialist: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are very prevalent in a rehabilitation setting. These disorders involve muscle, tendon, ligaments, as well as nerves, and are related to overuse due to work or sports, and degeneration due to aging. These conditions are usually diagnosed based on clinical signs and symptoms; however, a more accurate diagnosis is required. The imaging techniques for diagnosis include radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasounds (US). In this review article, US is proposed to be an effective technique in diagnosing MSK pathologies, which, in hands of a Rehabilitation specialist, constitute a dynamic, accurate, economic, and cost-effective tool.

Physical Examination of the Shoulder in the Rehabilitation Setting: A Review of the Literature

“…In SP, physical examination (PE) is essential to perform the correct diagnosis and treatment (4). In fact, rehabilitation specialists treat patients based on clinical symptoms and PE (5).…”

Shoulder pain in rehabilitation setting: from a standardized ultrasound protocol evaluation to specific subacromial disorders

“…2 In the Rehabilitation setting, patients are usually treated based on clinical signs and symptoms as well as on clinical evolution. 8 However, medical history and physical examination do not provide conclusive evidence on the patho-anatomical origin of the symptoms. 8 When there is no positive response to treatment, or a complex or severe disease is suspected, a more accurate diagnosis is needed.…”

“…8 However, medical history and physical examination do not provide conclusive evidence on the patho-anatomical origin of the symptoms. 8 When there is no positive response to treatment, or a complex or severe disease is suspected, a more accurate diagnosis is needed. 8,9 SP is a consequence of a wide spectrum of disorders, being subacromial disorders the most common.…”

“…8 When there is no positive response to treatment, or a complex or severe disease is suspected, a more accurate diagnosis is needed. 8,9 SP is a consequence of a wide spectrum of disorders, being subacromial disorders the most common. 2 For the management of SP, on the short term, rest, ice, compression, elevation and NSAIDs are employed; while, on the long term, physical therapies (thermotherapy, electrotherapy, physiotherapy, magnetotherapy and Ultrasound therapy) are used.…”

“…2 For the management of SP, on the short term, rest, ice, compression, elevation and NSAIDs are employed; while, on the long term, physical therapies (thermotherapy, electrotherapy, physiotherapy, magnetotherapy and Ultrasound therapy) are used. 5,8 SP is considered a syndrome, meanwhile sub acromial disorders have specific features and specific therapies for them are available. 1 There subsides the importance of tailoring treatment to the underlying disorder.…”