Comparing the Effects of Post Facilitation Stretching and Active Release Technique on Pain, Pain Pressure Threshold and Patients Satisfaction in Upper Trapezius Trigger Points

Abstract

Purpose: Trigger points are localized, hyperirritable areas term as “Knots” and are palpable in taut band of muscle fibers, tendon or a ligament. To compare the effects on Post facilitation stretching and Active release technique on pain, pain pressure threshold and level of patients’ satisfaction in upper trapezius trigger points.
 Methodology: It was a quasi-experimental study with sample size of 30 and convenient sampling was used. Inclusion criteria of study were females and males of age 25 to 40 years, positive jump sign and persistent pain for more than 4 months. Study setting was the physical therapy departments of private hospitals of Faisalabad and Lahore. Study duration was 6 months. Out of 30 patients 15 were enrolled in group-A (baseline therapy and Post facilitation stretching) and remaining 15 were enrolled in group-B (baseline therapy and Active release technique). Pain pressure threshold was measured by algometer, Intensity of pain was assessed by NPRS before and after the treatment of one week and patient satisfaction was measure by PSQ-18 after the treatment. Data was analyzed by software SPSS 24. Demographic data and test statistics was presented in form of tables.
 Findings: Out of 30 patients, 33.3% were male and 66.7% were females. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test for within-group analysis revealed a significance difference (p≤0.05) in NPRS and PPT before and after the treatment in both groups. Mann-Whitney U test for between-group analyses showed the p>0.05, which means that no significant differences was observed in results produced by Post facilitation stretching in group A and Active release technique in group B.
 Recommendations: A significantly reduction in the pain intensity and enhancement in pain pressure threshold was observed in both groups. Both Post facilitation stretching and active release techniques were equally effective in reducing intensity of pain, improving pain pressure threshold in upper trapezius trigger points and patients of both groups showed equally satisfaction level after the treatment. Informed by targeted intervention theories, the study utilized rigorous research methodologies for validation. Practitioners are advised to undergo specialized training for PFS and ART application, ensuring a tailored approach per individual needs. Policymakers should set stringent licensing standards and promote continued research to bolster the techniques' efficacy and widespread adoption.