This study sought to determine whether a specific exercise strategy improve shoulder function and pain in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome, thereby decreasing the need for arthroscopic subacromial decompression. In comparison to a control exercise group, patients in the specific exercise group had significantly greater improvements in shoulder function and pain and fewer patients needed surgery at the three month assessment. Various exercise programmes are used as first line treatment in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome, but there is inadequate conclusive evidence to support the efficacy for these programmes.
This specific exercise strategy proved effective in increasing shoulder function and decreasing pain in patients in whom earlier conservative treatment had failed.