Effect of Adding Scapulothoracic Stabilization Exercises to Dorsal Scapular Nerve Blockade in Patients with Nerve Entrapment Syndrome: A Single Blinded randomized Controlled Trial.

This article focuses on evaluating the efficacy of adding scapulothoracic stabilization exercises (StSE) to dorsal scapular nerve (DSN) blockade in treating DSN entrapment, a condition causing periscapular pain, upper extremity disability, and fatigue. In a randomized controlled trial involving 60 patients with chronic DSN entrapment, both groups received DSN blockade injections, while the intervention group additionally performed StSE for six weeks. Results showed that the combined treatment significantly reduced pain intensity, disability (measured by the Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire), and fatigue severity compared to nerve blockade alone, although no significant difference was found in nerve conduction (motor distal latency). The study suggests that incorporating StSE with DSN blockade offers a safe, non-invasive, and cost-effective approach to improve clinical outcomes in DSN entrapment.