Clinical and MRI findings after high dosage medical exercise therapy in patients with long lasting subacromial pain syndrome: A case series on six patients

SummaryBackground and purposeThe primary aim of this case series was to investigate the effect of a high dosage medical exercise therapy program on shoulder pain in patients with subacromial pain syndrome.SubjectsSix subjects were assigned to a medical exercise therapy group.MethodsThey received three treatments a week over three months. Outcome measures were descriptions of the subacromial space including supraspinatus tendon diameter, function, pain, and active range of motion in the shoulder girdle.ResultsThe subjects showed improvement posttest compared to pretest with respect to pain, function, range of motion, and isometric strength. An MRI demonstrated no change in tendon thickness after the treatment. Inflammatory signs such as fluid in the subacromial bursa decreased in some patients.Discussion and conclusionIn patients with uncomplicated subacromial pain syndrome, high dosage medical exercise therapy might be an efficient treatment approach. The clinical effects might be explained by morphological changes in the subacromial space.