Rotator Cuff Disorders: A Survey of Current Uk Physiotherapy Practice

Abstract

Background Shoulder pain is a common problem and disorders of the rotator cuff are considered to be the commonest cause of this pain. Despite this, there is a paucity of high-quality research upon which to base practice. There is a clear need to determine the range of current practice as a basis upon which to inform future research. Objectives To describe current physiotherapy practice in relation to the assessment and management of rotator cuff disorders and to gain an insight into the perceived research needs of physiotherapists in the UK. Methods An electronic survey was developed and responses were sought in relation to a case report considered to represent a patient with a typical rotator cuff disorder. Results A total of 110 surveys were completed. The respondents stated that they would undertake a range of diagnostic tests, offer a wide variety of interventions and offer a broad prediction of prognosis. Conclusion Current physiotherapy practice in relation to rotator cuff disorders is variable, which might reflect the lack of high-quality evidence available. There is a clear need for high-quality research to inform physiotherapy practice in this burdensome area.