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Kastamonu Medical Journal

Kastamonu Medical Journal regularly publishes internationally qualified issues in the field of Medicine in the light of up-to-date information.

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Original Article
Effectiveness of scapular stabilization exercises on pain, postural alignment, and functional capacity in patients with myofascial pain syndrome: a retrospective study
Abstract
Aims: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a musculoskeletal condition with trigger points causing pain, stiffness, and postural issues. This study evaluated the impact of scapular stabilization exercises (SSE) on pain, posture, and functional capacity in MPS patients.
Methods: A total of 40 patients diagnosed with MPS were retrospectively analyzed and categorized into two groups: one group underwent a standard exercise protocol, while the other received the same protocol supplemented with SSE. Outcomes were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Tragus to Wall Distance (TWD), New York Posture Rating (NYPR) score for posture, and Neck Disability Index (NDI) for functionality. Pre- and post-treatment changes were analyzed for both groups.
Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in VAS, TWD, NYPR, and NDI scores. However, the SSE group exhibited significantly greater improvements across all parameters compared to the standard exercise group. These results suggest that SSE enhances pain relief, postural alignment, and functional capacity more effectively.
Conclusion: SSE is an effective intervention for MPS, offering superior outcomes in pain relief, posture, and functionality compared to standard exercises. Larger studies with longer follow-ups are needed to validate these results.

Keywords : Myofascial pain syndrome, scapular stabilization exercises, pain, postural alignment, functional capacity

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Article available in :
Volume 5, Issue 4, 2025
Page : 243-247
https://doi.org/10.51271/KMJ-0219
Article Information
Received : 17 Oca 2025
Accepted : 27 May 2025
Published : 02 Ara 2025
Corresponding Author :

Gülşah Çelik: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Antalya City Hospital, Antalya, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Çelik G, Koldaş Doğan Ş. Effectiveness of scapular stabilization exercises on pain, postural alignment, and functional capacity in patients with myofascial pain syndrome: a retrospective study. Kastamonu Med J. 2025;5(4):243-247.

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