Effectiveness of preoperative stretchings on postoperative shoulder function in patients undergoing mastectomy.

Objective: To analyse the effects of pre-operative stretchings of shoulder muscles on post-operative shoulder function in patients undergoing mastectomy.

METHODS: The comparative study was conducted from January to May 2019 at Allied Hospital, Madinah Teaching Hospital and the District Headquarter Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan, and comprised mastectomy patients. The subjects were randomised to treatment and control groups. The treatment group received static stretching with range of motion, while the control group received routine post-operative care. Data was collected using Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Universal goniometer and Groningen Activity Restriction Scale at post-op day 1 and day 3. Data was analysed using SPSS 20.

RESULTS: Of the 30- patients, there were 15(50%) in each of the two groups. The overall mean age was 46±10.75 years. The treatment group showed significant difference (p<0.05) in pain, range of motion and Groningen Activity Restriction Scale scores for activities of daily living compared to the control group. The treatment group also showed better results in terms of shoulder flexion and abduction range of motion (p<0.05), but showed non-significant difference (p>0.05) in external rotation and Groningen Activity Restriction Scale scores.

Conclusion: Pre-operative stretching of shoulder muscles proved to be safe and effective in reducing post-operative pain and functional restriction in patients undergoing mastectomy.