How do I complete the Physical Therapist Reports for the study?
A link to the form will be emailed to you. Simply click on that link and answer the questions in the online survey. It should only take about 5 minutes to complete.
Do I need to let you know if the patient self-terminates early?
You do not need to let us know if the patient self-terminates as this information will be captured in the PT Report Form(s) you will complete.
Do all goals for a phase need to be met before I can advance a patient to the next phase?
For the post-op protocol, the patient needs to meet 4 out of the 5 criteria for discharge. For the non-op protocol, the criterion for progression is listed for each phase and should be followed.
If a Non-Op patient is progressing quickly, can I advance them to the exercises for the next stage?
Yes. The Non-Op protocol stages do not have specified time frames. Once the goals of a stage are met, the patient may be progressed to the next phase.
If a Post-Op patient is progressing quickly, can I advance them to the exercises for the next phase?
No. The protocol was written respecting healing times. We kindly ask that you do not accelerate the post-op program for patients who have had a repair.
Do I need to let you know if I substitute different exercises than those in the protocol?
As long as the changes follow the above guidelines, this is not necessary. However, if a particular set of exercises has not been performed at all, this should be reported – along with the reason - in the PT Report Form that will be sent to you to complete. Feel free to contact your site [...]
How much variation from the protocol is acceptable?
As long as the exercises fall into the same category, small changes are acceptable. It is also understood that some patients may not be able to progress as others. This is why the protocols have a function-based progression. Also, if you have an operative patient who had a surgical procedure other than (or in addition [...]
Can I substitute different exercises for those in the protocol? (e.g., Forward Bow instead of Pendulum)
Differences in exercise preference and patients’ needs and understanding are expected. As long as the exercise falls into the same category (i.e., passive range of motion flexion, active-assistive range of motion into external rotation), these substitutions are acceptable.
Will the study pay for treatment of my shoulder?
No, the ARC study will not pay for the cost of your shoulder treatment. Your insurance company will be billed as it normally would for any surgery or physical therapy as well as follow-up doctor visits related to treatment. However, you will NOT have to pay for any tests or treatments done only for research [...]
How will my physical therapist know that I am participating in this study?
A physical therapist with the ARC trial will contact your treating physical therapist to make sure they know about the study and receive the appropriate treatment instructions. You will also be given a packet with information about the study to take with you to your first physical therapy visit.