Physical Therapy
We are unable to recommend for or against physical therapy for the initial treatment of patients with osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint.
Rationale
Despite an exhaustive review of the literature, there was insufficient evidence to make conclusions either in favor of or against the efficacy of physical therapy. This includes the modalities of massage, joint mobilization, joint manipulation, exercise, phonophoresis, iontophoresis, ultrasound, laser, acupuncture, and/or electrical stimulation, in the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis of the shoulder. Further, no studies of sufficient quality were found that addressed massage therapy, hydrotherapy, manual therapy and/or mobilization and manipulation.