Hydrotherapy Versus Classical Rehabilitation After Surgical Rotator Cuff Repair

Introduction:

Postoperative rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair is important to promote tendon healing, restore strength, and recover normal function. Aquatic rehabilitation in hot water allows body relaxation and well-being that promote patient conditioning for efficient rehabilitation and is appreciated by patients. The aim of this study is to assess whether aquatic rehabilitation is more efficient than classical rehabilitation (land-based session) in term of range of motion, function, and pain after an arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff.

Methods:

This prospective case-control clinical study is randomized 1:1 between rehabilitation with hydrotherapy and land-based (standard) rehabilitation. This superiority trial that included 84 patients that have benefited from an arthroscopic superior cuff repair. Patients were evaluated clinically at 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 24 months and using ultrasound at 6 months. Multivariable linear regressions were performed to determine if 2-year postoperative scores were associated with gender, body mass index (BMI), age at index operation, rehabilitation group (Hydrotherapy vs Standard), and baseline passive range of motion (PROM) Active range of motion (AROM).

Inclusion criteria

• 18 years old or more
• Arthroscopic cuff repair of supraspinatus tendon (with potentially concomitant of infraspinatus tendon repair, tenodesis or tenotomy of brachial biceps tendon, acromioplasty, and distal clavicle removal).

Exclusion criteria

• Lesion of subscapularis tendon;
• SLAP lesion;
• Second rotator cuff surgery;
• Frozen shoulder (i.e. Forward flexion reduced of 25% or more);
• Inability to follow the study protocol