Postoperative Rehabilitation After Thyroidectomy: A Scoping Review of Stretching, Manual Therapy, and Kinesio Taping...

Background/Objectives: Thyroidectomy is a common endocrine procedure associated with postoperative musculoskeletal symptoms such as neck stiffness, pain, and reduced cervical mobility. These sequelae, though often underrecognized, can impair recovery and quality of life. Rehabilitation strategies, including stretching, manual therapy, and kinesio taping, have emerged as potential adjuncts to enhance postoperative outcomes. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize current evidence on postoperative rehabilitation interventions following thyroidectomy, focusing on stretching exercises, manual therapy, and kinesio taping. Methods: Following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive search identified studies evaluating physical therapy interventions in adult thyroidectomy patients. Fourteen studies published between 2005 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria, encompassing randomized trials, quasi-experimental designs, and one retrospective cohort study. Interventions were delivered in early postoperative settings and included supervised or home-based programs. Results: Neck stretching and range-of-motion exercises consistently demonstrated benefits in pain reduction, cervical mobility, and functional recovery. These low-cost interventions were feasible for early implementation and continuation post-discharge. Evidence for kinesio taping was mixed, with some studies reporting short-term symptom relief and others showing no significant effect. Manual therapy, assessed in a single large cohort, showed promise when combined with stretching, though its independent efficacy remains unclear. Conclusions: Structured rehabilitation-particularly stretching and mobility exercises-may enhance recovery after thyroidectomy. Kinesio taping and manual therapy appear beneficial as adjunctive measures but require further validation. The findings underscore the need for standardized protocols and high-quality trials to optimize postoperative care and long-term outcomes.