Change in pain over time.

BackgroundNon-operative management of patients with rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP) has been shown to be effective with outcomes similar to operative interventions. Exercise therapy and education are recommended as first-line treatments; however, program content, progression and referral criteria are typically inadequately detailed to be easily reproduced by clinicians. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a well-defined, criteria-based progressive exercise physical therapy (PT) program in patients with rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP) over a 26-week evaluation period.Methods and findingsA longitudinal, prospective cohort study evaluated 143 patients aged 30–65 years with RCRSP. Participants participated in a 12-week in-person and home-exercise shoulder program and were assessed at baseline, 6-weeks, 12-weeks and 26-weeks. Primary outcome measures were pain at rest, at night and with activity. Secondary measures were active range of motion (ROM), strength, and health related quality of life (HRQL) using the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) score.ResultsSignificant reductions in pain at rest, at night and with activity (p Conclusion(s)Utilizing a criteria-based progressive PT program that provided detailed information, including progression criteria and a proven algorithm for referring non-responsive patients for an orthopedic surgical consult was effective in significantly reducing pain, improving active ROM, strength and HRQL in those living with RCRSP.