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Volume 16, Issue 2 (Spring- In Press 2026)
PTJ 2026, 16(2): 0-0 |
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Vadamalai G, Ramalingam K, M K, Tamildasan K, N S, K K. Return-to-Play Rehabilitation of a Professional Fast Bowler Following Rotator Cuff Tear, SLAP Repair and shoulder Impingement: A Case Study. PTJ 2026; 16 (2)
URL: http://ptj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-815-en.html
URL: http://ptj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-815-en.html
Geethapriya Vadamalai1 
, Karthika Ramalingam *1 , Kamalakannan M1 , Karthik Tamildasan1 , Suriya N1 , Kavitha K2
, Karthika Ramalingam *1 , Kamalakannan M1 , Karthik Tamildasan1 , Suriya N1 , Kavitha K2
1- Saveetha college of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
2- Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
2- Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Abstract: (1269 Views)
Background: Shoulder injuries are prevalent among fast bowlers due to repetitive high-velocity overhead movements commonly resulting in rotator cuff tears, superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions and shoulder impingement. These injuries affect both physical function and psychological readiness, posing challenges in return-to-sport outcomes.
Case Presentation: This case study reports the rehabilitation of a 30-year-old male professional fast bowler who presented with a Grade 2C rotator cuff tear, SLAP tear and signs of shoulder impingement confirmed by MRI. The athlete underwent arthroscopic repair followed by a structured 12-week rehabilitation program.
Intervention: The rehabilitation protocol was delivered in three progressive phases focusing on pain management, range of motion restoration, scapular and rotator cuff strengthening and sport-specific drills. Psychological readiness was concurrently addressed using the Injury Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport Scale.
Outcome Measures: Outcomes were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), I-PRRS, Range of Motion (ROM) and Manual Muscle Testing (MMT). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks postoperatively.
Results: The athlete demonstrated significant improvements in pain, function (SPADI: 72% to 9%), and psychological readiness (I-PRRS: 38 to 92). ROM improved to near-normal values, and MMT scores increased from Grade 3 to 5. The athlete successfully returned to competitive bowling without complications.
Conclusion: A multidimensional, phased rehabilitation program that integrates physical and psychological recovery strategies can effectively restore shoulder function and performance in elite fast bowlers’ post-surgery. This case underscores the importance of individualized, sport specific rehabilitation in overhead athletes.
Case Presentation: This case study reports the rehabilitation of a 30-year-old male professional fast bowler who presented with a Grade 2C rotator cuff tear, SLAP tear and signs of shoulder impingement confirmed by MRI. The athlete underwent arthroscopic repair followed by a structured 12-week rehabilitation program.
Intervention: The rehabilitation protocol was delivered in three progressive phases focusing on pain management, range of motion restoration, scapular and rotator cuff strengthening and sport-specific drills. Psychological readiness was concurrently addressed using the Injury Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport Scale.
Outcome Measures: Outcomes were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), I-PRRS, Range of Motion (ROM) and Manual Muscle Testing (MMT). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks postoperatively.
Results: The athlete demonstrated significant improvements in pain, function (SPADI: 72% to 9%), and psychological readiness (I-PRRS: 38 to 92). ROM improved to near-normal values, and MMT scores increased from Grade 3 to 5. The athlete successfully returned to competitive bowling without complications.
Conclusion: A multidimensional, phased rehabilitation program that integrates physical and psychological recovery strategies can effectively restore shoulder function and performance in elite fast bowlers’ post-surgery. This case underscores the importance of individualized, sport specific rehabilitation in overhead athletes.
Keywords: Rotator cuff tear, SLAP lesion, fast bowler, shoulder rehabilitation, I-PRRS, SPADI, return to sport
Type of Study: case report |
Subject:
Sport injury and corrective exercises
Received: 2025/08/23 | Accepted: 2025/09/15 | Published: 2026/04/16
Received: 2025/08/23 | Accepted: 2025/09/15 | Published: 2026/04/16
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