DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, and mastectomy remains a critical surgical intervention in its management. Postoperative complications such as rotator cuff dysfunction, pain, and limited upper limb range of motion affect 17–51% of breast cancer survivors, often impairing their ability to perform daily tasks. Physical rehabilitation techniques have shown promise in addressing these impairments, particularly in restoring functional mobility and enhancing the quality of life.
Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of inhibition compression therapy and scapular mobilization in improving shoulder function, range of motion (ROM), and pain outcomes in patients following mastectomy.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted over six months at the Gujranwala Institute of Nuclear Medicine. A total of 48 female patients post-modified radical mastectomy were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling and randomly assigned to Group A (inhibition compression, n=24) or Group B (scapular mobilization, n=24). Outcome measures included the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Constant-Murley Shoulder Outcome Score, and goniometric assessments for flexion, abduction, and external rotation. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25, with a significance level set at p ≤ 0.05.
Results: Both groups showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001) in SPADI scores and Constant-Murley scores. Group A showed improvements in flexion from 90.1° to 140.4°, abduction from 80.2° to 135.3°, and external rotation from 40.1° to 78.3°. Group B improved from 92.5° to 128.3° (flexion), 85.0° to 125.7° (abduction), and 43.7° to 70.2° (external rotation).
Conclusion: Scapular mobilization and inhibition compression therapies both effectively reduced pain and improved shoulder ROM following mastectomy. However, inhibition compression yielded greater gains in functional outcomes, highlighting its value in postmastectomy rehabilitation programs.