The use of manual therapy is gaining traction in the treatment of shoulder dysfunctions, including chronic rotator cuff injuries. In 2011, a study by Dariusz Białoszewski and Grzegorz Zaborowski explores the potential benefits of integrating manual therapy into conventional rehabilitation programs.

This preliminary investigation aimed to determine whether manual therapy could improve the range of motion in the glenohumeral joint and alleviate pain for patients with chronic rotator cuff injuries. The study involved 30 participants who were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group and a control group, each consisting of 15 patients.

Both groups underwent a standard combination therapy that included Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), ultrasound therapy, and kinesiotherapy. Additionally, the experimental group received a specialized treatment program designed by the researchers, which incorporated selected elements from various manual therapy techniques.

The effectiveness of the treatments was assessed by evaluating changes in the range of motion in the glenohumeral joint and pain intensity, measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), during functional tests. The results were then subjected to statistical analysis.

The findings revealed that the experimental group experienced a more rapid and significant reduction in pain, along with a marked improvement in the range of motion across all tested movements. These improvements were significantly greater compared to the control group.

The study concluded that incorporating manual therapy into a comprehensive physiotherapy program significantly enhances the rehabilitation of patients with chronic rotator cuff injuries. The results suggest that manual therapy not only accelerates pain relief but also improves joint mobility, making it a valuable addition to standard treatment protocols.

This research supports the growing body of evidence advocating for the inclusion of manual therapy in rehabilitation practices. As healthcare providers seek more effective treatment modalities, manual therapy offers a promising option for improving patient outcomes in chronic rotator cuff injury rehabilitation.

Reference: Białoszewski, D., & Zaborowski, G. (2011). Usefulness of manual therapy in the rehabilitation of patients with chronic rotator cuff injuries. Preliminary report. Ortopedia, traumatologia, rehabilitacja, 13(1), 9-20.