The Effect of the Posture of the “Hermit Doing Body Contortion” on Relief of Shoulder and Scapular Pain Caused by Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized, Parallel Group, Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: To explore the ability of the posture of the “Hermit Doing Body Contortion” (HDBC) to relieve shoulder and scapular pain in patients with chronic myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Methods: One hundred and thirty-six out-patients with chronic MPS were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group was advised to perform a posture of the HDBC named “posture for relieving abdominal pain, pain of the scapular blade” (PRASP) every day for two months. Both groups received Thai traditional massage treatment and hot herbal compresses once a week for four weeks. Using a numeric rating scale and dolorimeter, outcomes were assessed prior to commencing the intervention (M 0 ), and one and two months after commencing the intervention (M 1 and M 2, ). Results: The mean change in pain intensity between M 1 and M 2 differed significantly between the groups (1.32±1.45 in the experimental group and 0.47±2.26 in the control group; p = 0.039). Similarly, the mean change in pressure pain threshold between M 0 and M 2 also differed significantly between the groups (1.39±1.76 in the experimental group and 0.53±1.90 in the control group; p-value =0.027). In both cases, the experimental group achieved greater pain relief. Conclusion: In patients with chronic MPS, the posture of the HDBC combined with standard Thai traditional medicine treatments provided better ongoing relief of shoulder and scapular pain than did standard Thai traditional medicine treatments alone. Clinical trial registration no.: TCTR20151230002