Introduction and Clinical Assessment Overview

Apuntes

journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy | volume 55 | number 4 | april 2025 | 235 [ clinical practice guidelines ] R otator cuff (RC) disorders account for more than half of shoulder conditions and are commonly treated by physiotherapists, as well as other health practitioners including physicians. 92,110,184,192 The RC comprises the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor. These muscles have different origins on the scapula and their tendons converge on the greater and lesser tuberosities of the humerus syndrome, subacromial bursopathy, and long head of biceps tendinopathy are also considered to fall within an RC tendi- nopathy diagnosis. 17,71,100,103 The term RC calcific tendinopathy is used when a cal- cific deposit within the RC is confirmed by imaging. Initial diagnosis and treatment of RC disorders often do not follow evidence- based recommendations. 9,22 Diagnoses of shoulder disorders commonly rely on the unnecessary use of diagnostic imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 106 driving additional costs, treat- ment delays, and potential overmedicaliza- tion. 114,170,183 This evidence-based clinical practice guideline (CPG) prov...