Article

The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate a physiotherapy
program targeted to reduce pain intensity and improve the daily functioning of
diabetics with shoulder problems. It was hypothesized that patients receiving
specific physiotherapy treatment improved more frequently and rapidly than
diabetic patients followed up without specific physiotherapeutic intervention.
METHOD: A pre-post treatment design was completed for a group of 10 subjects. The
treatment protocol, also applied during the daily activities of the subjects, was
aiming at reducing pain intensity and shoulder stiffness and improving impaired
functioning in daily activities by muscle relaxation, light-load exercise and
enhancing proper shoulder co-ordination. RESULTS: The group analysis showed
significant decrease of pain intensity level as well as improved shoulder
functioning and sustained level of subject self-efficacy beliefs throughout the
study period. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that it is possible to relieve
shoulder pain intensity and improve daily activities of patients with
diabetes-related shoulder problems by employing a physiotherapy program focusing
on muscle relaxation, light-load exercise and on the enhancement of proper
shoulder co-ordination in daily activities. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: A
physiotherapy program can be effective in reducing pain and improving shoulder
function in diabetics with shoulder problems. The treatment should focus on
muscle relaxation, light-load exercise and on the enhancement of proper shoulder
co-ordination in daily activities.

Langue : ANGLAIS