June/July 2012 (vol. 09/1)

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Research Plus

Rotator cuff syndrome

This systematic review (five papers) looks at the use of exercise interventions in adult patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy lasting at least three months. Interventions included stretching and/or resistance exercises (using rubber exercise bands). There is moderate evidence: to support the use of exercise compared with no intervention in terms of pain reduction and improved function in the short term; that exercise is beneficial compared with placebo in the short, intermediate and long term; and that there is no difference between exercise and surgery in the short, medium and long term.

Physiotherapy 2012; 98: 101–109.  http://www.physiotherapyjournal.com/article/S0031-9406(11)00453-6/abstract

Occupational Health at Work June/July 2012 (vol. 09/1) pp39