Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Superimposed on Movement and Isoinertial Training for Rotator Cuff- Related Shoulder Pain: A Case Report and Literature Review

Jacopo Emanuele Rocchi1,2*, Arcangelo Parisella1, Sebastiano Nutarelli3,4, Eraldo Malja5, Andrea Macaluso1,2 and Arrigo Giombini1

1University of Rome “Foro Italico”, Piazza Lauro De Bosis 6, Italy
2Villa Stuart Sport Clinic-FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Italy
3Orthopaedic and Traumatology Unit, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Switzerland
4School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Ireland
5University of Parma, Strada dell’Università, Italy

^*Correspondance to: Jacopo Emanuele Rocchi 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.3350

Abstract

Objectives: Assessing the effectiveness of a novel exercise protocol, with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation superimposed on movement (NMES+) and isoinertial training for the treatment of Rotator Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain (RCRSP) in a master swimmer. Design: Case report. Participant: The patient was a 44-year-old master swimmer who began complaining of shoulder pain after the Italian Championships tournament. Following an orthopedic examination the subject was diagnosed with supraspinatus tendinopathy and commenced a period of rest, corticosteroids and electrotherapy which led to no benefit to his shoulder symptoms. Subsequently, a structured exercise rehabilitation program including NMES superimposed on movement and isoinertial training was started with the aim of returning to sport avoiding a surgical intervention. Rehabilitation exercise proposal: A step-by-step rehabilitation exercise protocol was proposed focusing on load and exercise progression with the goal of strength, power and mobility recovery. NMES+ was used to support early rehabilitation, while isoinertial training was used in the mid-late stage of the rehabilitation process. Conclusion: The protocol allowed the subject to successfully return to autonomous gym training and swimming in 10 and 11 weeks respectively, following the rehabilitation exercise program. The novel NMES and isoinertial training approaches may be considered as promising tools in RCRSP rehabilitation.

Keywords

Cite the article

Rocchi JE, Parisella A, Nutarelli S, Malja E, Macaluso A, Giombini A. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Superimposed on Movement and Isoinertial Training for Rotator Cuff- Related Shoulder Pain: A Case Reportand Literature Review. Clin Surg. 2021; 6: 3350..