EFFICACY OF AN INDIVIDUALIZED PHYSIOTHERAPY PROTOCOL IN THE TREATMENT OF LATE POSTOPERATIVE REHABILITATION OF LEFT SHOULDER ARTHROPLASTY IN AN ELDERLY WOMAN: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Rotator cuff injuries are common in older adults and often lead to pain, functional limitations, and reduced quality of life. Tendinopathies and tendon ruptures represent a degenerative continuum that guides the choice between conservative or surgical treatment. In advanced cases, shoulder arthroplasty becomes a consolidated option, although evidence on individualized physiotherapy protocols during late rehabilitation in this population remains limited. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the effects of a personalized physiotherapy protocol in an elderly patient who underwent left shoulder arthroplasty, considering clinical evolution, therapeutic adaptations, and functional outcomes. This is a case report approved by the ethics committee, involving a 77-year-old woman who completed 12 physiotherapy sessions that included thermophototherapy, myofascial release, active and resisted kinesiotherapy, joint mobilizations, and strengthening exercises. At the end of treatment, she presented complete pain remission (VAS: 8 to 0), improved muscle strength (grade 3 to 5), increased range of motion, and functional recovery, with no clinical complications. The individualized protocol proved to be safe, effective, and essential for optimizing late rehabilitation outcomes.