AOTA

Earn CE Credit With AJOT Articles!

Learn about tested treatment strategies by reading AJOT articles in your area of practice. Become an evidence-based practitioner and demonstrate your knowledge by passing the course exam.  Articles have been selected for their relevance to practice, fresh ideas, and strong evidence supporting treatment and the distinct value of OT.

Abstract:

People with musculoskeletal disorders of the shoulder commonly experience pain, decreased strength, and restricted range of motion (ROM) that limit participation in meaningful occupational activities. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the current evidence for interventions within the occupational therapy scope of practice that address pain reduction and increase participation in functional activities. Seventy-six studies were reviewed for this study—67 of Level I evidence, 7 of Level II evidence, and 2 of Level III evidence. Strong evidence was found that ROM, strengthening exercises, and joint mobilizations can improve function and decrease pain. The evidence to support physical modalities is moderate to mixed, depending on the shoulder disorder. Occupational therapy practitioners can use this evidence to guide daily clinical decision making.

Learning Objectives:

1.     List musculoskeletal conditions of the shoulder that are commonly seen in occupational therapy

2.     Identify preparatory interventions used in occupational therapy for adults with various musculoskeletal shoulder conditions

3.     Discuss the efficacy of occupational therapy interventions for adults with musculoskeletal conditions of the shoulder and implications for OT practice and research 

Authors:

Tambra L. Marik, OTD, OTR/L, CHT, is Hand Therapy Elective Track Director, Rocky Mountain University for Health Professions, Provo, UT, and Staff Therapist, ATI Physical Therapy, Tacoma, WA;

Shawn C. Roll, PhD, OTR/L, RMSKS, FAOTA, is Assistant Professor, Mrs. T. H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.

     Reference:

      Marik, T. L., & Roll, S. C. (2017). Effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions for musculoskeletal shoulder conditions: A systematic review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71, 7101180020. https://doi.org/ 10.5014/ajot.2017.023127