Maximizing Muscle Function in Cuff-Deficient Shoulders: A Rehabilitation Proposal for Reverse Arthroplasty

Anatomical Regions:

Shoulder

Conditions / Diseases:

Rotator cuff injury and repair, Strengthening

Journal of Shoulder & Elbow Arthoplasty  July 2021. Helen Razmjou, MSc, PT, PhD, Varda van Osnabrugge, BSc, PT, Mark Anunciacion, BSc, PT, …

Purpose: The purpose of this review is to describe the role of altered joint biomechanics in reverse shoulder arthroplasty and to propose a rehabilitation protocol for a cuff-deficient glenohumeral joint based on the current evidence.

Conclusion: Improving the efficiency of deltoid function before and after reverse shoulder arthroplasty is a key factor in the rehabilitation of the cuff deficient shoulders. Performing exercises in scapular plane and higher abduction angles activates deltoid and other important muscles more efficiently and optimizes surgical outcomes.