RT Journal Article ID 5441cc2f1d2ec92e A1 Johnson, Aaron J. A1 McKenzie, Shelton A. A1 Ulrich, Slif D. A1 Seyler, Thorsten M. A1 Issa, Kimona A1 Pivec, Robert A1 Mont, Michael A. T1 Assessment of Static Progressive Stretch for the Treatment of Shoulder Stiffness: A Prospective Case Series JF Journal of Long-Term Effects of Medical Implants JO JLT YR 2012 FD 2013-04-25 VO 22 IS 4 SP 293 OP 303 K1 static progressive stretch K1 orthosis K1 shoulder stiffness AB Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a patient-directed static progressive stretch orthosis for the treatment of shoulder stiffness. Methods: Twenty-three patients who had limitations in range of motion of the shoulder and who had failed conventional physical therapy methods were studied. This cohort included 15 women and 8 men with a mean age of 53 years. Treatment comprised one to three 30- to 60-minute sessions per day with a patient-controlled orthosis utilizing static progressive stretch. The patients adjusted the degree of stretch at 5-minute intervals as tolerated. Compliance, range of motion, patient satisfaction, and complications were assessed, and a two-way repeated measure ANOVA was performed to assess the effects of age or gender. Results: After a mean treatment duration of 10 weeks (range, 4 to 19 weeks), the patients gained a mean of 22° (range, −47 to 57°) of external rotation, 18° (range, −19 to 55°) of internal rotation, 46° (range, 3 to 97°) of abduction, and 23° (range, 3 to 40°) of forward flexion. In total, 22 of 23 patients (96%) experienced increases in range of motion that were maintained at 1 year following treatment. Statistically significant increases in range of motion and clinical function scores were noted; age and gender did not appear to influence the outcomes. Discussion: This device compared favorably to other treatment methods for shoulder stiffness. An orthosis utilizing static progressive stretch was a useful adjunct for the treatment of shoulder stiffness refractory to conventional therapy. PB Begell House LK https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/1bef42082d7a0fdf,71accbb15546aa13,5441cc2f1d2ec92e.html