The Rehabilitation Journey of a Cricket Player With Partial Rotator Cuff Tear: A Case Report of Pre and Postoperative Physiotherapy

Abstract

In adults, partial rotator cuff injuries can frequently be the root cause of pain in the shoulder. One recurrent pathology that may significantly impact a broad spectrum of individuals, including athletes, laborers, and sedentary people, is partial rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, painkillers, rest or activity modifications, and corticosteroid injections are a few nonoperative treatment options for partial RCTs. We report a case of a 27-year-old male who sustained a rotator cuff injury of the right shoulder. The patient presented with pain and restriction of the right shoulder joint following the injury, which had occurred while throwing a ball forcefully with his right hand. The rehabilitation program emphasized pain management, restoring range of motion (ROM), increasing strength of muscles, and functional activities to optimize the patient's recovery. Concurrently, isometrics, ROM, and strengthening exercises were integrated into the rehabilitation program to enhance muscle strength, prevent tightness, and maintain ROM. The patient's progress was monitored by using the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score and the Upper Extremity Functional Scale (UEFS) at specific intervals during rehabilitation. The treatment and healing of a patient with an RCT who underwent both pre and postoperative physiotherapy are explored in this case report.