Hydrotherapy after Rotator Cuff Repair Improves Short-Term Functional Results Compared with Land-Based Rehabilitation When the Immobilization Period Is Longer.

研究概要

One hundred eighty-five patients with small to medium-sized supraspinatus and/or infraspinatus tears were randomized to receive either hydrotherapy (n=93) or land-based therapy (n=92), beginning either 10 days (early) or 30 days (late) after surgery. The primary outcome was the Constant score at multiple follow-ups. Outcomes were evaluated at 3, 6, and 24 months post-operatively. Overall, the results revealed that hydrotherapy significantly improved Constant scores at 3 months only when initiated late. However, this benefit did not persist at later follow-ups. The findings suggest that delayed hydrotherapy yields superior short-term functional recovery but does not confer long-term advantages.