No need for subacromial decompression in responders to specific exercise treatment: a 10-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial

Specific exercise treatment for patients with subacromial pain was effective and reduced the need for surgery with maintained results after 10 years. Responders to exercise treatment had the best long-term outcomes and ASD yielded satisfying outcome in nonresponders. A rotator cuff tear was equally common in patients having undergone surgery as in those treated nonoperatively and in the contralateral shoulder.