Immediate Effects of Scapular Mobilization on Shoulder Range of Motion and Pain Level in Patients with Proximal Humerus Fractures

Purpose: Pain and muscle spasms around the scapula are common following proximal humerus fractures and can adversely
effect shoulder function. This study aimed to examine the immediate effects of scapular mobilization on shoulder range of
motion and pain level in patients with proximal humerus fractures.
Method: Twenty-eight patients (mean age: 54.20±4.36 years) with conservatively treated proximal humerus fractures were
included in the study. Pain level was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, while shoulder flexion and abduction angles were
measured with a goniometer. Scapular mobilization was performed for approximately 10 minutes, consisting of 10 repetitions
in medio-lateral, supero-inferior, and circumduction movements. Evaluations were conducted on the day the arm sling was
removed, both before and after the scapular mobilization intervention.
Results: Immediately after scapular mobilization, significant improvements were observed in shoulder flexion (p<0.001) and
abduction (p<0.001), with increases of 14.46° and 15.52°, respectively. Resting pain levels also significantly decreased
(p<0.001), with a reduction of 2.41 cm.
Discussion: Scapular mobilization significantly improves shoulder range of motion and reduces pain in patients with proximal
humerus fractures, suggesting its potential as an effective physiotherapy approach in the acute rehabilitation phase.
Key Words: Bone Fracture, Manual Therapies, Pain, Range of Motion, Scapula