The impact of post-thyroidectomy neck range of motion and isometric strengthening exercises on neck pain and early quality of life

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative neck range of motion and isometric strengthening exercises in reducing neck pain and improving early quality of life in patients who underwent thyroidectomy. Materials and Methods: Between November 2024 and April 2025, 93 patients who underwent thyroidectomy at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Prof. Dr. Murat Dilmener Hospital for multinodular goiter, Graves' disease, or Bethesda category III–VI cytological findings were included. Forty-eight were randomly assigned to the exercise group, and 45 to the control group. The exercise group performed cervical range of motion and isometric strengthening exercises from postoperative day 1 to 10. The control group received no exercises. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and quality of life using the Neck Pain Discomfort and Early Period Quality of Life Scale (BAREDYKÖ) on postoperative days 1 and 10. Data were analyzed prospectively. Results: A significant reduction in pain and improvement in quality of life were observed in the exercise group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Although both groups showed improvement over time, the exercise group had more pronounced results. Conclusion: Early postoperative cervical exercises appear to be effective in pain management and enhancing quality of life following thyroidectomy. Integration of such exercises into routine postoperative care is recommended. Keywords: thyroidectomy, postoperative neck pain, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), cervical range of motion, isometric neck exercises