Trial reportOtolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery2025
Can Manual Therapy Alter Muscle Stiffness in Patients With Spinal Accessory Nerve Injury?
Trial report in Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
objectiveShoulder and neck dysfunctions resulting from spinal accessory nerve injury impair quality of life. This study aims to investigate the effects of manual therapy in combination with standard physiotherapy on the mechanical properties of muscle, neck and shoulder function, pain, and quality of life in head and neck cancer patients. STUDY
designProspective, randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial.
settingDepartment of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of a university hospital.
methodsA total of 26 participants were randomized into two groups. The control group (n = 11) received standard physiotherapy including therapeutic exercises, scar tissue massage, and education. The intervention group (n = 10) received manual therapy consisting of soft tissue, myofascial release, and mobilization techniques in combination with standard physiotherapy. Outcome measures were mechanical properties of muscle, neck and shoulder active range of motion, shoulder pain and disability, and quality of life.
resultsUpper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscle stiffness increased significantly in the control group (P < .01), whereas a significant reduction was observed in the intervention group compared to the control group (P = .001). A reduction in muscle thickness was observed bilaterally in both groups (P < .01). Moreover, all participants showed improvements in neck and shoulder active range of motion, shoulder pain, and quality of life (P < .01).
conclusionManual therapy in addition to standard physiotherapy was more effective in improving neck and shoulder function, quality of life, and reducing muscle stiffness compared to standard physiotherapy alone. Therefore, clinicians should consider incorporating manual therapy into their treatment protocols to optimize patient outcomes.
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