Effects of aquatic physiotherapy on postoperative rehabilitation of rotator cuff
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v26i3.1062Keywords:
Rotator Cuff Injuries; Postoperative Period; Aquatic Therapy; Range of Motion; Muscle Strength; Nociplastic Pain.Abstract
Introduction: The number of rotator cuff repair surgeries has increased in Brazil, and postoperative rehabilitation with conventional land-based physical therapy ranges from 6 to 24 months. Shorter therapies should be explored. Objective: To evaluate the effect of 20 aquatic physical therapy sessions on the progression of mobility, strength, pain, and function in patients who underwent rotator cuff repair. Methods: The study included 3 men and 24 women who were in the sixth week after unilateral rotator cuff repair surgery. The intervention consisted of 20 sessions lasting 45 minutes each, conducted twice a week. Assessments were performed at three time points: before the 1st session, before the 11th session, and after the 20th session. Mobility was assessed using goniometry, and muscle strength was evaluated through manual muscle testing. Two questionnaires were used to assess function: the UCLA Shoulder Rating Scale and the ASES pain scale. Data were subjected to descriptive and comparative statistical analysis. Results: A statistically significant clinical improvement was observed in mobility, strength, and movement function, with a relevant reduction in pain. Physiotherapeutic resolution occurred in a considerably shorter period than reported in the literature. Conclusion: The proposed aquatic physiotherapy intervention was effective in treating patients after rotator cuff repair, reducing recovery time.
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