Observation on the rehabilitation effect of aromatherapy on elderly patients undergoing arthroscopy rotator cuff repair

This retrospective study aims to assess the efficacy of an integrative therapeutic approach, employing both aromatherapy and acupoint massage, on functional recovery in elderly patients post-arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Clinical data of 354 elderly patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, China, between January to December 2022 were retrospectively collected. According to the actual treatment received during the perioperative period, patients were divided into three groups: aromatherapy combined with acupoint massage group, simple acupoint massage group, and control group (only routine rehabilitation). A retrospective analysis was conducted on the main evaluation indicators, including Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Self Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and oxidative stress indicators (late oxidative protein products [AOPP], malondialdehyde [MDA], superoxide dismutase [SOD]). Indicators were compared among different groups at specific time points. In addition, a retrospective analysis was conducted on the Constant Murley functional assessment of the shoulder joint at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months postoperatively. Retrospective comparison of VAS and SAS scores showed that the aromatherapy combined with acupoint massage cohort had lower scores than the control group (P < 0.05). Four weeks after surgery, the SOD levels in all groups increased, but there was no significant difference between the groups (P>0.05). Retrospective analysis of cumulative Constant scores revealed a statistically significant increasing trend in all three groups at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-surgery (P < 0.05). Notably, the functional recovery scores in the aromatherapy combined with acupoint massage cohort showed more significant improvement relative to the other two groups. Retrospective data indicate that the integrative approach of aromatherapy and acupoint massage effectively alleviates early postoperative pain, improves mood state, and enhances shoulder joint mobility and functional recovery in elderly patients following rotator cuff repair. This suggests it is a promising, safe, and effective rehabilitation strategy for this patient population.