Comparing Immediate Active and Standard Rehabilitation After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in Adults Over 55

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating rehabilitation methods following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty RTSA, a surgery used for conditions like rotator cuff arthropathy and shoulder fractures. The study compares immediate active shoulder rehabilitation IASR with the traditional post-operative rehabilitation to understand their effects on pain relief, shoulder function, complications, and cost effectiveness over one year. This trial aims to improve patient health, experience, and reduce healthcare costs following RTSA. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two rehabilitation groups after RTSA surgery. One group starts immediate active shoulder physical therapy from the first day after surgery, including specific stretches and full active shoulder motion. The other group follows a traditional therapy protocol that gradually introduces active shoulder motion starting around week 6, involving about 18 physical therapy visits. Physical therapy sessions take place at a location comfortable for the patient. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed before surgery and at multiple time points up to one year after surgery. Evaluations include shoulder function scores, pain and quality of life questionnaires, and measurements of shoulder range of motion. Researchers will also monitor complications like subscapularis tears. Participants must be willing to complete questionnaires and attend follow-up visits, with results used to determine the overall impact of the rehabilitation methods.

Rehabilitation Following Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty