Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) Guide

The WORC is a self-report survey measuring quality of life in people with rotator cuff disorders. It helps clinicians track how shoulder issues affect physical function and emotions.

Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) PDF questionnaire for shoulder assessment
WORC

Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC)

The Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) is a specific questionnaire assessing quality of life for patients with rotator cuff pathology. Covering physical symptoms, work, and emotions, this 21-item tool helps clinicians track recovery progress and treatment outcomes effectively.

Category

Physical health
Movement System
Rehabilitation
Wellbeing

Disease

Assessment
Quality of Life
Rehabilitation
Clinical Measurement

Source

(Kirkley et al., 2003)

Author Name

Kirkley, A., Alvarez, C. & Griffin, S. (2003)

What is Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC)

The Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) is a specific tool for checking quality of life in shoulder patients. It tracks rotator cuff health quite well. This questionnaire uses 21 items to cover the full impact of shoulder trouble. It splits these into five clear categories so clinicians can see the whole picture of a patient's condition. Patients rate their experience using a visual analogue scale for questions about physical symptoms and sports. It also looks at work capacity plus lifestyle changes and emotional health to give a total score that reflects current disability levels. Completing the form is quick and easy for patients in a waiting room or clinic setting. It works well for tracking recovery after surgery or during physio sessions. Clinicians use the data to adjust treatment plans and see if interventions are truly helping the patient get back to normal life.

WORC Scoring

The Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index can be scored using a straightforward summation approach. Patients mark a spot on a 100mm line for 21 items across five domains like physical symptoms and emotions. You measure from the left anchor to get a value between 0 and 100 for each question. Add these up to get a total out of 2100, where higher numbers mean more pain. To make it easier to understand, clinicians often turn this into a percentage. A final score of 100 percent usually means the shoulder is working perfectly, while 0 percent suggests the worst possible symptoms.

View scoring form

Advantages

Outcome validation

Measures treatment effectiveness through standardised tools.

Reliable data

Provides consistent measurements for clinical research.

Research validity

Strengthens evidence through systematic measurement approaches.

Patient engagement

Promotes active participation in healthcare assessment.

15
Minutes
21
Questions

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