EFFECTIVENESS AND PROSPECTS OF APPLYING TELEREHABILITATION IN PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR INDIVIDUALS AFTER A PROXIMAL HUMERUS FRACTURE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/2221-1217-2026-1-09Keywords:
proximal humerus fractures, surgical treatment, physical therapy, postoperative rehabilitation, telerehabilitation, remote follow-upAbstract
Proximal humerus fractures are a common musculoskeletal injury that often requires surgical treatment and prolonged rehabilitation. Despite advances in treatment and rehabilitation methods, many patients who sustain this injury report persistent limitations of shoulder function and reduced quality of life. This may be related to the lack of standardized physical therapy protocols, low patient engagement in the rehabilitation process, as well as financial and transportation barriers. It should be noted that contemporary scientific literature remains heterogeneous with regard to the structure of rehabilitation programs, particularly concerning the combination of in-person sessions with a physical therapist and remote follow-up.
The aim of study was to analyze current scientific evidence on the effectiveness of telerehabilitation within the physical therapy process and the feasibility of applying this approach to individuals after proximal humerus fractures.
The following research methods were used: analysis, comparison, synthesis, and systematization of data. A theoretical analysis and synthesis of scientific publications from the last 10 years indexed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were conducted.
According to the literature, physical therapy plays a leading role after proximal humerus fracture. Its advantages include safe mobilization of the shoulder joint, the possibility of applying manual therapy, pain control, and timely correction of exercise technique. In turn, telerehabilitation is considered a promising method that demonstrates functional outcomes comparable to in-person sessions with a physical therapist, while reducing the burden on the healthcare system, increasing patient engagement in rehabilitation, and mitigating transportation and financial barriers.
Based on the above, it can be concluded that the use of telerehabilitation in the physical therapy of individuals after proximal humerus fractures is a promising approach to recovery.
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