The subacromial impingement syndrome of the shoulder treated by conventional physiotherapy, self-training, and a shoulder brace: Results of a prospective, randomized study

The subacromial impingement syndrome of the shoulder treated by conventional physiotherapy, self-training, and a shoulder brace: Results of a prospective, randomized study
July 2004
Markus Walther, MD, PhDa, Andreas Werner, MD, PhDb, Theresa Stahlschmidt, MDc, Rainer Woelfel, MD, PhDd, Frank Gohlke, MD, Prof.a
Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
Elsevier, Inc

Abstract
This prospective, randomized trial was performed to compare the results of treating subacromial impingement syndrome of the shoulder by a guided self-training program with the treatment by conventional physiotherapy or a functional brace. Sixty patients with the diagnosis of an outlet impingement syndrome of the shoulder (Neer I and II) were treated either by strengthening the depressors of the humeral head with a guided self-training program, by conventional physiotherapy, or by wearing a functional brace. The Constant-Murley score was assessed after 6 and 12 weeks. Shoulder pain was monitored with a visual analog scale. All three groups showed a significant improvement in shoulder function as well as a significant reduction in pain. There were no statistically significant differences among the groups. Guided self-training can lead to results similar to those of conventional physiotherapy. The comparable effect of the functional brace remains unclear and might be explained by an influence on proprioception.

a Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany

b Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany

c Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Ulm, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Ulm, Germany

d Klinikum Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Reprint requests: Markus Walther, MD, PhD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brettreichstrasse 11, 97074 Wuerzburg, USA

© 2004 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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