Comparison of two treatment techniques : muscle energy technique and ischemic compression on upper trapezius trigger point in subjects with non specific neck pain.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Myofascial pain syndrome(MPS) is one of the common causes of neck pain, characterized by myofascial trigger point. Large levels of practice variability exist regarding the clinical deactivation of trigger points. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of muscle energy technique(MET) and Ischemic compression(IC) technique on pain, cervical ROM(CROM) and pressure pain threshold(PPT) of upper trapezius trigger point in subjects with non-specific neck pain. MATERIALS & METHODOLOGY: 30 participants were taken in the study. They were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A underwent MET and group B underwent Ischemic compression technique. Both groups received isometric neck exercises and upper trapezius stretching exercises. Intervention was given for 1 week. Outcome measures taken were VAS, PPT and CROM of lateral flexion of opposite side on the 1st day before the treatment and on the 6th day after the treatment. RESULTS: Both Groups showed significant improvement in all three outcome measures. Difference of VAS between the groups was not significant. There was significant greater improvement of PPT in group B than group A. There was significant greater improvement of CROM in group A than group B. CONCLUSION: Both the treatments were effective in reducing pain and improving PPT and CROM . Ischemic compression appeared to be more effective than MET in improving PPT. Difference in VAS score between the groups was not significant. MET was more effective than Ischemic compression technique in improving CROM.