Postoperative neck pain is common after thyroidectomy and may impair early recovery. This prospective randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the effects of postoperative neck range-of-motion (ROM) and isometric strengthening exercises on neck pain and early-stage quality of life in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Between November 2024 and April 2025, 93 patients who underwent thyroidectomy were enrolled. Surgical indications included multinodular goiter, Graves' disease, and fine-needle aspiration biopsy results classified as Bethesda categories III-VI. Patients were randomized into an intervention group (n = 48) and a control group (n = 45). Patients in the intervention group performed cervical ROM and isometric strengthening exercises from postoperative day 1 to day 10, while the control group received standard postoperative care without a structured exercise program. Both groups were evaluated on postoperative days 1 and 10. Pain severity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and quality of life was assessed using the Neck Pain, Discomfort, and Early-Stage Quality of Life Questionnaire (NPDEPQ).
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Postoperative Neck Pain
Timeframe: Postoperative day 1 and postoperative day 10