The Evidence of Aquatic Therapy for Painful Shoulder Disability.

Abstract

The overall goal of this work was to study Aquatic Therapy for Painful Shoulder Disability. Scientific evidence is not strong. The findings are focused on the postoperative rotator cuff lesion, upper limb dysfunction and biomechanical characterization of the shoulder. What happens in silent shoulder injuries? Aging people adapt to their disability and look for an easier way to move. To promote healthy aging, doctors recommend aquatic activities because of the low impact on the skeletal muscle system. The deep-water is one of the techniques used in long-term programs of aquatic therapy or aquatic activities, with excellent adherence among the elderly. We studied the buoyancy influence in shoulder abduction and horizontal extension in deep-water, through the dual-media biomechanical analysis of the movement of upper limbs, we found a significant influence of the devices on the range of motion, but not on speed or smoothness, these findings showed evidence for making a decision. In a sample of older adults with chronical health conditions and painful dysfunction of the upper limb, we studied for their expectations, satisfaction, functional perception and the association between a functional scale based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH). Deeper, what immediate effects do patients had from an aquatic therapy session? In addition, what was the effect of detraining of aquatic therapy after a summer pause? The findings showed evidence for continuous programs, as detraining is significant for balance and pain. The goals of a training program suggest being quickly achieved on older adults with a complete program. A case report on one female patient, 60 years old, studied kinematic and EGM during the five rotator cuff tests of a patient with grade 9 on the VAS_Pain scale and 57.80 for the disability of arm, shoulder and hand scale (DASH). The findings by ROM and the recruitment order of activation of the four muscles, left and right sides, in all tests. This suggests that pain symptom occurs in the right confirming the positive test. Through our studies, we hope to contribute to a better understanding and planning of treatment painful shoulder injuries older adult participating in a group aquatic therapy program.