The Impact of Telehealth Physical Therapy on Recovery Outcomes for Patients with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Telehealth PT for Shoulder Impingement Recovery
Keywords:
Digital health, Musculoskeletal disorders, Physical therapy, Rehabilitation, TelehealthAbstract
Background: Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) is a prevalent shoulder-related musculoskeletal disorder that hinders shoulder mobility and function. Although traditionally, in-person physical therapy is the gold standard for treatment, telehealth is being introduced as an alternative. This study determines the effects of telehealth physical therapy on recovery outcomes of individuals suffering from SIS and compares it with conventional therapy.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) involved forty people diagnosed with SIS, divided into two groups, one group receiving telehealth physical therapy (n=20) and the other group receiving in-person therapy (n=20). Recovery possibility was assessed by measures such as Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and Range of Motion (ROM) assessment during a follow-up period of 12-weeks.
Results: Telehealth patients showed a significant positive change in SPADI score, with a mean score reduction of 35% and a ROM increase by 25 degrees, similar to the comparison of the in-person therapy group. Patient satisfaction was elevated by 85% of telehealth program participants indicated they felt good about their experience.
Conclusion: Telehealth physical therapy could provide an equally effective alternative to traditional face-to-face therapy modes for managing SIS with a similar recovery outcome and high patient satisfaction.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Munaish Kumar, Ravi Kumar Katta , Aliya Shair Muhammad, Jeetendar Valecha, Ummar Gill , Zahoor Ahmed
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