Abstract: Objective  To observe the clinical effect of electromagnetic extracorporeal shock wave on shoulder dysfunction after arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff degeneration. 
Methods  A total of 40 patients with degenerative rotator cuff injury who underwent arthroscopic repair were randomly divided into two groups, with 20 patients in each group. Rehabilitation exercise was performed at 6-8 weeks after operation. Both groups were treated with conventional exercise methods. The observation group was supplemented with electromagnetic extracorporeal shock wave therapy on the basis of conventional rehabilitation exercises. The Constant-Murley Shoulder Function Score Scale(CMS), the university of California at Los Angeles shoulder rating scale(UCLA), visual analogue scale(VAS) pain score and ioint range of motion(ROM) were used for evaluation before treatment, at 3 weeks and 6 weeks after treatment. 
Results  The CMS score of the two groups showed an increasing trend before and after treatment, and the score was higher in the observation group than in the control group; the difference of interaction between groups, time points and time points between groups were statistically significant with respect to activities of daily living and active ROM scores(P＜0.05). There were significant differences between groups and time points with respect to pain score(P＜0.05), between time points and time points between groups with respect to muscle strength(P＜0.05). The UCLA score of the two groups showed an increasing trend before and after treatment, and the score was higher in the observation group than in the control group; there was significant difference between time points in all scores(P＜0.05). The difference was statistically significant between groups with respect to pain score(P＜0.05). There were significant differences between groups and time points with respect to pain score and forward flexion score. VAS score of the two groups before and after treatment showed a decreasing trend, which was lower in the observation group than in the control group, while the scores of function, range of forward flexion, forward flexion strength and satisfaction showed an increasing trend, which were higher in the observation group than in the control group, suggesting significant differences between time points and time points between groups(P＜0.05). There were significant differences in pain, function, forward flexion strength and satisfaction between groups(P＜0.05). 
Conclusion  After degenerative rotator cuff injury repair, electromagnetic extracorporeal shock waves can significantly relieve postoperative pain of the patient and have a significant effect on improving shoulder joint function.

Key words: extracorporeal shock wave, rotator cuff injury, functional exercise, shoulder pain