Abstract
Background: Myofascial release has beneficial effects on trigger points. Many studies have been done on myofascial release but a comparative study with cryo-stretching is lacking. Aims and Objectives: To find the effectiveness of cryo-stretching on trigger points and compare between myofascial release and cryo-stretching. Materials and Methods: 54 participants were included in the study and were allocated into two groups: Myofascial release (deep transverse friction, cross-hand technique) and cryo-stretching (static stretch, isometric contraction). Pre and post-assessments were taken for pain using VAS, pressure threshold by digital algometer and cervical lateral flexion using a universal goniometer. Results: Analysis was done using unpaired t-test and Mann Whitney U test for comparison of ROM and pressure threshold and pain respectively between the two groups. Differences between the two groups were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon’s test for within-group study showed significant improvement for VAS PPT, and ROM in both groups. Conclusion: The study found that both MFR and cryo-stretching were effective in management of upper trapezius trigger point. Keywords: Myofascial release, Trigger points, Cryostretch, Trapezius.
Highlights
Neck pain is common in people performing sedentary activities. 1 The involved region is back of the neck and behind the shoulder
The taut band of the upper trapezius causes the formation of myofascial trigger points (MTrp)[2] leading to restricted cervical ranges as well as pain and tenderness
The most accepted hypothesis focuses on the existence of shortening of the muscle. 3,4 The first authors who systematically described the myofascial pain syndrome were Travell and Simons, 5 who theorized that this painful condition is due to the presence of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs)
Summary
Neck pain is common in people performing sedentary activities. 1 The involved region is back of the neck and behind the shoulder. Most cases of neck pain are due to taut bands of trapezius muscle located behind the neck region. The taut band of the upper trapezius causes the formation of myofascial trigger points (MTrp)[2] leading to restricted cervical ranges as well as pain and tenderness. MTrPs are hyperirritable points located within a taut band (TB) of skeletal muscle that causes referred pain, local tenderness, and sometimes autonomic changes. 6 The MTrP diagnosis requires detailed history taking and physical examination to confirm the presence or absence of an original set of diagnostic criteria (i.e., taut band, spot tenderness, referred pain, pain recognition, local twitch response). Conclusion: The study found that both MFR and cryo-stretching were effective in management of upper trapezius trigger point
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