The investigation of acute effects of fascial release technique in patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Fascial release technique is used for releasing fascial tissue to decrease pain, to increase range of motion, and to improve functional level.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the acute effects of fascial release technique on pain, range of motion, upper extremity functional level, and fear of movement in individuals with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

METHODS

Thirty volunteers with an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were included in the study. The individuals were randomly divided into two groups. One group received only conventional physiotherapy including hot pack, interferential current, and exercise program, while the fascial release technique was applied to the other group in addition to the conventional physiotherapy program for 2 weeks with 2 sessions per week. Individuals were assessed for pain intensity, range of motion, functional level, fear of movement before and after treatment, and satisfaction level after treatment.

RESULTS

Demographic and clinical characteristics of the groups were similar (p > 0.05). Both groups showed improvement in pain, range of motion, and upper extremity functions (p < 0.05). Improvements in the treatment group were better than the conventional physiotherapy group (p < 0.05). Fear of movement was significantly decreased in the treatment group (p < 0.05). Both groups were similar in terms of satisfaction level (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Fascial release technique is acutely effective on the pain, joint range of motion and upper extremity functions in the treatment of individuals with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and more successful results can be obtained by including it in the early rehabilitation program after arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery.