French physiotherapy management of rotator cuff related shoulder pain: An observational study

Background: Rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP) is a common and disabling cause of shoulder pain contributing to great socio-economic costs. Conservative management is recommended as first-line treatment, with studies performed in the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands and Australia finding practice generally consistent with guideline recommendations. Current French guidelines for management of RCRSP were published more than a decade ago, and it is unknown if French physiotherapists manage RCRSP in line with the current guideline recommendations. The aim of this survey is to evaluate if management delivered by French physiotherapists for RCRSP is in line with the current evidence. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted and disseminated through various social media platforms and a mailing list from December 2018 to March 2019. Results: Two hundred and six French physiotherapists completed the survey. The results demonstrated that the majority of physiotherapists provide care consistent with recommended guideline management, through the delivery of exercise and education. Ideology and specific parameters of treatment delivery, particularly exercise treatment, were highly variable among the cohort, but comparable to findings among physiotherapists in the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands and Australia. Conclusion: French physiotherapists are broadly consistent with providing guideline recommended care of RCRSP; however, heterogeneity exists in the ideals and practice of specific treatment delivery, particularly within exercise management.