Effect of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization in addition to conventional rehabilitation on pain, range of motion, and functional level in patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a randomized controlled trial.
OrthoEvidence Journal (OE Journal) - ACE Report
Epub Ahead of Print
J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2026 01-Jan;():. 10.1016/j.jse.2025.04.010What this means for my practice?
Adding IASTM to conventional rehabilitation leads to greater short-term improvements in pain, ROM, and functional outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Clinically, incorporating IASTM may enhance rehabilitation effectiveness and recovery. Key limitations are the small sample size and short-term follow-up.
Study Summary
Thirty-three patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were randomized to receive instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) plus conventional physiotherapy or conventional physiotherapy alone. The outcomes of interest were pain intensity, range of motion (ROM), functional level (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index), and kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks. Overall, the results of the study revealed that the IASTM group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in pain, ROM, and functional outcomes compared to the control group, while both groups improved in kinesiophobia without between-group differences. These findings suggest that adding IASTM to postoperative rehabilitation may enhance short-term recovery after rotator cuff repair.
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