Blog post from our board member Dr. Robert Bacci: PT vs Surgery for SIS – Research says try conservative first – Courtesy of Bacci & Glinn Physical Therapy
PHYSICAL THERAPY IS JUST AS EFFECTIVE AS SURGERY IN THE LONG TERM FOR A COMMON SHOULDER CONDITION
Most shoulder conditions—about 85%—involve the rotator cuff, which is a group of muscles and tendons that keeps the shoulder stable. Among these common shoulder conditions is shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS), in which rotator cuff tendons become compressed—or “impinged”—as they pass through a small bone on top off the shoulder blade called the acromion. Over time, this causes the tendons to become irritated and inflamed, and will lead to bothersome symptoms like swelling and tenderness, loss of strength, restricted movement, and pain.
SIS is most common in individuals that regularly perform lots of overhead activities like golfers, swimmers, and baseball and tennis players, as well as painters and construction workers. The condition can also result from an injury that compresses the structures of the shoulder—like a fall—or from frequently sleeping on your side. Sleeping in this position regularly can strain the shoulder and cause impingement over time.
SIS is closely related to rotator cuff tendinitis and subacromial pain, and in some cases, the terms may be used interchangeably. When any of these conditions develop, the best course of action is a comprehensive physical therapy program, which helps patients work through their pain to regain strength, flexibility, and physical function; however read more…