Efficacy of muscle energy technique with stretching versus muscle energy technique with myofascial release in upper cross syndrome

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INTRODUCTION: Cervical pain represents one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders, with the potential for secondary complications if left untreated. The primary causes of neck pain are cervical spine and soft tissue disorders, while neck pain due to postural abnormalities is known as upper cross syndrome (UCS). Epidemiological studies indicate that neck pain is prevalent in the general population but is significantly more common among office workers. Optimal management strategies require further investigation to improve treatment outcomes. This study aims to evaluate and compare two therapeutic approaches for managing Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS): Muscle Energy Technique (MET) combined with Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR), and MET combined with Muscle Stretching Exercises. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This non-randomized, active-controlled trial enrolled 40 patients with neck pain, assigned to two intervention groups of 20 participants each: Muscle Energy Technique (MET) with Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR), and MET with Muscle Stretching Exercises. The study assessed pain intensity using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and forward head posture using the Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) at baseline and three weeks post-treatment. RESULTS: VAS score for pain showed a mean change of 1.7 and 1.8 in the MET with MFR group and MET with the Muscle Stretching Exercises group after 11 sessions. The CVA increased by 2.08° in the MET with MFR group and by 1.78° in the MET with the Muscle Stretching Exercises group. Both groups showed significant improvements in pain and forward head posture (p<0.001), with no significant difference between the interventions. CONCLUSION: Both MET combined with MFR and MET with Muscle Stretching Exercises demonstrate improvement in pain and CVA.