Ischemic Compression Research Articles

Effectiveness of manual therapy in the treatment of cervicogenic headache: A systematic review.

The aim of this study was to identify the manual therapy (MT) methods and techniques that have been evaluated for the treatment of cervicogenic headache (CH) and their effectiveness. MT seems to be one of the options with the greatest potential for the treatment of CH, but the techniques to be applied are varied and there is no consensus on which are the most indicated. A systematic search in Scopus, Medline, PubMed, Cinahl, PEDro, and Web of Science with the terms: secondary headache disorders, physical therapy modalities, musculoskeletal manipulations, cervicogenic headache, manual therapy, and physical therapy. We included articles published from 2015 to the present that studied interventions with MT techniques in patients with CH. Two reviewers independently screened 365 articles for demographic information, characteristics of study design, study-specific intervention, and results. The Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence and the Jadad scale were used. Of a total of 14 articles selected, 11 were randomized control trials and three were quasi-experimental studies. The techniques studied were: spinal manipulative therapy, Mulligan's Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides, muscle techniques, and translatory vertebral mobilization. In the short-term, the Jones technique on the trapezius and ischemic compression on the sternocleidomastoid achieved immediate improvements, whereas adding spinal manipulative therapy to the treatment can maintain long-term results. The manual therapy techniques could be effective in the treatment of patients with CH. The combined use of MT techniques improved the results compared with using them separately. This review has methodological limitations, such as the inclusion of quasi-experimental studies and studies with small sample sizes that reduced the generalizability of the results obtained.

Effectiveness of soft tissue release of paracervical muscles on the cantho-limbal distance among young adults

To find out the effectiveness of soft tissue release of paracervical muscles on the cantho-limbal distance among young adults. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was carried out at Shalamar School of allied health sciences. A sample of 32 of reduced lateral cantho-limbal distance and neck pain was taken. A purposive sampling technique was used. Pre-test Cantho-limbal distance was measured by ABN tape in mm then technique of ischemic compression followed by stretching was applied and post-test cantho-limbal distance was a measure. Results: Results show that the cantho-limbal distance before treatment was 7.38±0.98mm and after treatment, it increases to 10.06±0.88mm. The difference between the effect of pre and post-treatment on cantho-limbal distance was statistically significant (p-value <0.001). Conclusion: This study concluded that paracervical muscles and muscles of eyes have some neuronal and myofascial attachment so that soft tissue release of paracervical muscles has a significant and beneficial effect on reduced lateral cantholimbal distance.

Trigger point therapy – ischemic compression or perhaps cupping?

Abstract Study aim: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of single ischemic compression and cupping therapy on the most common trigger point, on the descending part of the trapezius muscle. Materials and methods: Twenty-five students (15 women and 10 men) aged 24.20 ± 1.27 years were enrolled in the study. The mobility of the cervical spine area was measured with a measuring tape. The pain pressure threshold of the trigger point of the trapezius muscle was tested using a Wagner FDX 50 Force Gage digital algometer. Each person participated in three tests with an interval of approximately one week between them. The following study protocol was followed; 1) cupping therapy, with a cup statically positioned on the trigger point for two minutes, 2) at a minimum interval of 7 days, ischemic compression performed with the thumb twice for 1 minute on each side 3) control test at an interval of another 7 days. Results: Ischemic compression resulted in a statistically significant difference in cervical spine mobility scores (except for extension) and pain pressure threshold values. After applying cups, statistically significant differences were also observed in the results of cervical spine mobility and pain pressure threshold values. No statistically significant differences were found in the effectiveness of the therapies tested. Conclusions: In the present study, single trigger point cupping and ischemic compression therapies improved cervical spine mobility and resulted in an increase in the pain pressure threshold in the trapezius muscle trigger point. These two therapies did not differ in terms of their effectiveness.

Effects of Neuromuscular Reeducation with Ischemic Compression on Myofascial Trigger Points in Patients with Neck Pain- a Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim: To determine the effects of neuromuscular Reeducation technique along with ischemic compression on upper trapezius myofascial trigger points regarding pain and lateral cervical ROM. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted.50 patients (25 in each group; aged 32.00 ±7.12 years), diagnosed with neck pain having upper trapezius myofascial trigger points and reduced lateral cervical range of motion were included. Patients were randomized into ischemic compression group (A) and Neuromuscular Reeducation group (B). Both groups were associated with conventional physiotherapy, which continued for two weeks. Outcomes were measured by using a Goniometer for lateral cervical ROM and pain intensity by using NPRS, assessed at baseline and on 8th post-intervention. Results: 49 participants were analyzed due to a lost in follow-up of one subject from Control Group-A. Intragroup comparison of pre to post value for cervical ROM and NPRS showed a significant (p value=.000) for both groups. Intergroup comparison of baseline to end value for cervical ROM was significantly improved on post-intervention along with significantly improved NPRS Conclusion: This study concluded that Neuromuscular Reeducation along ischemic compression approach for MTRPs has proven to be more effective to improve cervical range of motion and reducing pain. Keywords: Myofascial trigger points, Ischemic Compression, Neuromuscular reeducation, Upper Trapezius, Neck pain.

Effects of ischemic compression and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization techniques in trigger point therapy in patients with rotator cuff pathology: randomized controlled study

Purpose To compare the ischaemic compression (IC) and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) in the treatment of MTrPs in addition to standard rehabilitation program in patients with rotator cuff tears. Methods Participants with rotator cuff tears were included the study (n = 46). Patients were randomly divided into two groups; which were Group 1 (IC + standard rehabilitation program (n = 23)), and Group 2 (IASTM + standard rehabilitation program (n = 23)) groups. Pain were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS). Range of motion (ROM) was assessed by a universal goniometer. Active MTrPs were assessed according to the Travel and Simons criteria. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) were assessed by a digital algometer. Function were evaluated by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardised Shoulder Assessment (ASES) Form. Anxiety and depression were evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale. Satisfaction was assessed by the Global Rating of Change scale after 6 weeks treatment. Results After the treatment, pain, ROM and the DASH, ASES, HAD scores improved in both groups (p < 0.05). The active MTrPs of 2 muscles, PPT of 4 muscles and DASH in Group 1 significantly improved compared to Group 2 (p < 0.05). Conclusion Although patients with low functionality accumulated in the IC group, the IC is more effective than the IASTM in increasing the PPT and functional improvement according to the results of the DASH score.

Application of Combined Laser and Compression Therapy on the Pain and Level of Disability on Trigger Points in Upper Trapezius Muscle

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are among the main causes of disability in modern life. Myofascial trigger points are very common among musculoskeletal disorders and may occur through ordinary common activities. This study aimed to determine the combined effects of laser therapy and Ischemic Compression (IC) on the treatment of Myofascial Trigger Points (MTrPs) at the upper trapezius muscle. Materials and Methods: Twenty men with at least one active trigger point at their upper trapezius muscle voluntarily participated in this study. Trigger points were under treatment of laser irradiation (6 Joules per point) and also ischemic compression. Treatment approaches were applied over the pain point every other day for 5 sessions in 10 days. Neck disability index, pain intensity by visual analog scale, pressure pain threshold by algometry, and cervical lateral flexion by goniometer were assessed and recorded before the intervention, and immediately after the last session. Results: At the end of treatment, statistically significant improvements were seen in the neck disability index, VAS value, pressure pain threshold, and cervical lateral flexion. VAS values of the treatment and control groups were compared with the baseline (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Application of combined laser and compression therapy was effective on the pain and level of disability of patients with trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle.

Dry Needling Compared With Manual Pressure Trigger Point Manual Therapy for Improving Pain in Patients Experiencing Myofascial Neck Pain: A Critically Appraised Topic

Focused Clinical Question: What is the efficacy of dry needling (DN) compared to ischemic compression point therapy for improving pain and pain pressure threshold (PPT) in patients experiencing myofascial neck pain? Clinical Bottom Line: There is low-level evidence suggesting DN has the potential to elicit greater improvements in pain and PPT relief compared to ischemic compression techniques for individuals with myofascial neck pain.

Assessment of the influence of intermittent ischemic compression of latent trigger points on changes on the range of the lumbar spine mobility and myoelectric changes in the dorsal extensor muscle

Introduction: Pain in the lumbar spine (L) is a very serious health problem. The appearance of pain in the area of the back muscles with palpable small, sensitive points may indicate the presence of myofascial trigger points. There are many techniques used in the therapy of trigger points, including ischemic compression, which gives a therapeutic effect in the form of biomechanical normalization of muscle tissue restoring the normal functional state of a given muscle. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assessment of the influence of intermittent ischemic compression of latent trigger points on changes on the range of motion of the L spine and on myoelectric changes in the back extensor muscle. Material and Methods: The study included 32 students who were subjected to a single technique of intermittent ischemic compression according to Chaitow. The participants of the study performed the Thomayer test before and after the therapy to assess the range of spine mobility. The myoelectric changes in the back extensor muscle were assessed using NORAXON's EMG before and after the treatments following a protocol specifically developed for this purpose. The statistical analysis of the data was calculated using the Statistica 13 program. Results: One-time ischemic intermittent compression of the back extensor muscle statistically significantly increased the range of spine motion. The mean value of the tension of the back extensor muscle at rest after the therapy was reduced, showing statistically significant changes. The myoelectric changes in the back extensor muscle during flexion were not statistically significant Conclusions: The results showed the effectiveness of the ischemic intermittent compression technique in increasing the range of spine mobility after the treatment on the back extensor muscle. Intermittent ischemic compression leads to a decrease in the resting tension of the back extensor muscle, without affecting any significant changes during the flexion movement.

Effectiveness of ischemic compression pressure versus spray and stretch technique in the management of active myofascial trigger points of trapezius muscle.

Background: Now, a days myofascial trigger points are tremendously occurring and become a stressful part of nearly any person at any time in a lifetime. This study compares the effects of ischemic compression pressure with spray and stretch technique to treat active myofascial trigger points of the trapezius muscle in patients with neck pain.&#x0D; Methodology: A comparative interventional study was conducted at Dow University of Health Sciences from December 2016 and May 2017. Seventy patients (35 in each group) with active myofascial trigger points of trapezius were randomly assigned to group A (ischemic compression pressure) and group B (vapocoolant spray and stretch technique). Baseline and last session assessment of pain intensity, pain pressure tolerance, cervical range of motion and functional disability were measured through numerical pain-rating scale, algometer, goniometer and neck disability index, respectively.&#x0D; Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in all dependent variables of study which were neck pain, cervical range of motion and pain pressure tolerance (p-value&lt;0.05). Group A showed greater improvement in pain intensity (p-value 0.015), pressure pain threshold (p-value 0.000) and cervical range of motion flexion, left side flexion and right-side flexion (p-value 0.002, 0.000 &amp; 0.004) than group B.&#x0D; Conclusion: Both ischemic compression pressure &amp; spray and stretch technique deactivated trigger points of upper fibers trapezius muscle in patients with neck pain, but the ischemic compression pressure was superior to the spray and stretch technique.

Electromyographic Assessment of the Efficacy of Deep Dry Needling versus the Ischemic Compression Technique in Gastrocnemius of Medium-Distance Triathletes.

Several studies have shown that gastrocnemius is frequently injured in triathletes. The causes of these injuries are similar to those that cause the appearance of the myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). The ischemic compression technique (ICT) and deep dry needling (DDN) are considered two of the main MPS treatment methods in latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). In this study superficial electromyographic (EMG) activity in lateral and medial gastrocnemius of triathletes with latent MTrPs was measured before and immediately after either DDN or ICT treatment. Taking into account superficial EMG activity of lateral and medial gastrocnemius, the immediate effectiveness in latent MTrPs of both DDN and ICT was compared. A total of 34 triathletes was randomly divided in two groups. The first and second groups (n = 17 in each group) underwent only one session of DDN and ICT, respectively. EMG measurement of gastrocnemius was assessed before and immediately after treatment. Statistically significant differences (p = 0.037) were shown for a reduction of superficial EMG measurements differences (%) of the experimental group (DDN) with respect to the intervention group (ICT) at a speed of 1 m/s immediately after both interventions, although not at speeds of 1.5 m/s or 2.5 m/s. A statistically significant linear regression prediction model was shown for EMG outcome measurement differences at V1 (speed of 1 m/s) which was only predicted for the treatment group (R2 = 0.129; β = 8.054; F = 4.734; p = 0.037) showing a reduction of this difference under DDN treatment. DDN administration requires experience and excellent anatomical knowledge. According to our findings immediately after treatment of latent MTrPs, DDN could be advisable for triathletes who train at a speed lower than 1 m/s, while ICT could be a more advisable technique than DDN for training or competitions at speeds greater than 1.5 m/s.

Effect of Variants of Positional Release Technique vs. Ischemic Compression Technique on trigger point in Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

Myofascial pain syndrome is a group of symptoms whose origin might be sensory, motor or autonomic. These symptoms usually results from painful spots in the fascia of the skeletal muscle known as myofascial trigger points (MTrP’s). The efficacy of a number of manual techniques as well as combination therapies on MTrP’s has been investigated through a number of research studies. Thus, the hypothesis of this study was to see if variants of Positional Release Technique yielded better results than the variants of ischemic compression technique or vice versa on MTrP in cases of Myofascial Pain Syndrome. The primary objective was to determine whether any modifications in the treatment duration of conventional parameters of two most effective soft tissue manipulation techniques i.e. the Positional Release Technique (PRT) and the Ischaemic Compression Technique (ICT) have any effect on the pain pressure threshold. 60 subjects with active MTrP over the upper trapezius were randomly allocated into three subgroups- A1, A2 and A3 for PRT group or group A and B1, B2 and B3 for ICT groups or group B.A1, A2 and A3 differed from each other in terms of starting position where in for A1 the starting position was flexed trapezius; for A2 it was extended or stretched trapezius and for A3 the muscle was moved from flexion to extension throughout the treatment duration. Whereas Group B was divided into B1, B2 and B3. For B1 the treatment duration was 30 seconds, for B2 it was 60 seconds whereas for B3 it was 90 seconds respectively. The intervention was given six days a week for two weeks. Although improvement was seen in all the variants of the PRT and ICT groups, the subjects from the 90 sec variant of ICT group i.e. B3 showed maximum and statistically significant improvement in the pain pressure threshold scores post intervention. The present study concluded that among the two most used soft-tissue manipulation techniques i.e. Positional Release Technique and Ischaemic Compression Technique,the 90 sec variant of Ischaemic compression technique yielded clinically significant results in terms of improving pain pressure threshold in cases of Myofascial Pain Syndrome with active trigger points.

Effect of Deep Transverse Friction Massage and Ischemic Compression in Trapezitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Trapezitis is a commonly seen condition due to overuse and faulty posture. It leads to myofascialtrigger points and muscle spasm. It causes range of motion restriction of cervical spine, tenderness and neckpain.Aim: To evaluate the long term effect on pain and restricted range of motion following three days oftreatment involving deep transverse friction massage, ischemic compression and sham conventional groupin upper trapezitis.Methodology: A Randomized controlled trial with 66 subjects (F = 61, M = 5) complaining of uppertrapezius pain since 15 days were randomly allocated for the study into three different groups with 22subjects in each group (Group A= Deep Transverse Friction Massage, group B = Ischemic Compression andgroup C = Conventional Therapy). Pre and post treatment visual analogue scale and lateral flexion of thecervical spine to the opposite side were taken.Result and Conclusion: The results showed statistically significant improvement (p=0.0001) pre and posttreatment within the groups. But there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p &gt;0.05). Hence all the three groups were equally effective in reducing tenderness of upper trapezius.

The effect of the ischaemic compression technique on pain and functionality in temporomandibular disorders: A randomised clinical trial.

Interventions addressing pain and impaired functionality in individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are needed. To compare the effects of 4weeks of exercise combined with ischaemic compression and exercise alone in patients with TMDs. Fifty patients who were diagnosed with TMDs were randomised into Group 1 (exercise combined with ischaemic compression technique) (n=25) or Group 2 (exercise alone) (n=25). Both groups performed 4weeks of Rocabado's exercise and 3weeks of postural exercise, while Group 1 received ischaemic compression to the masseter muscle for a total of 3 sessions in addition to exercise. A ruler was used to assess range of motion (ROM) (painless mouth opening (PMO), maximum mouth opening, maximum assisted mouth opening (MAMO), left lateral movement and right lateral movement), the visual analogue scale and graded chronic pain scale were used to assess pain, an algometer was used to determine the pain pressure threshold (PPT), and the 8-item jaw functional limitation scale was used to assess, functionality. The assessments were performed at baseline, at week 1 and at week 4. The participants in Group 1 exhibited larger PMO (F=5.26, P=.02) and MAMO values (F=6.71, P=.01) than did the patients in Group 2 at week 1. The effect size was small for MAMO (ES=0.27) and moderate for PMO (ES=0.51). However, there were no significant differences in any other outcomes between groups at week 1 or 4. In summary, this randomised controlled trial indicates that exercise combined with ICT and exercise alone have similar effects on ROM, pain, the PPT and functionality in patients with TMDs.

Effects on Neuromuscular Function After Ischemic Compression in Latent Trigger Points in the Gastrocnemius Muscles: A Randomized Within-Participant Clinical Trial

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in neuromuscular function, pain perception, and basic physical properties in latent myofascial trigger points (TrPs) after a single treatment session of ischemic compression in the gastrocnemius muscle. MethodsA randomized within-participant clinical trial with a blinded assessor was conducted. Twenty-nine asymptomatic volunteers with latent gastrocnemius-muscle TrPs were bilaterally explored. Each extremity was randomly assigned to the control group (no treatment) or the experimental group (90 seconds of ischemic compression over each TrP). Neuromuscular function of the gastrocnemius muscle was assessed using a MyotonPro. Muscle flexibility was analyzed using the lunge test and the passive ankle range of motion. The strength was determined with a handheld dynamometer (MicroFET2). Pain perception was analyzed with a 0-to-10 numerical pain rating scale and determination of pressure pain thresholds over each latent TrP. ResultsThe results revealed a reduction of 15.8% in pain perception and an increment of pressure tolerance of 9.9% without pain in the treatment group. Changes in muscle flexibility (active and passive) and most parameters for neuromuscular response (rigidity, elasticity, and relaxation) were also observed, but they were not significantly different between groups. The clinical effect sizes were moderate for pain perception (d = 0.69), pressure pain threshold (d = 0.78), muscle tone (d = 0.51), and elasticity (d = 0.54) in favor of the treated extremity. Small clinical effect sizes were observed for muscle physical outcomes. ConclusionThe present study shows that the use of a single session of ischemic compression for latent gastrocnemius-muscle TrPs improved some sensory outcomes. The effects on ankle range of motion and neuromuscular responses were inconclusive.

Immediate effect of kinesio tapping V.S ischaemic compression on myofascial trigger points of trapezius muscle

Introduction: Myofascial pain syndrome is the most common cause of myofascial pain which is mainly due to myofascial trigger points. The myofascial trigger points are spots of hyperirritability located in the muscle as a taut band which on palpation or compression is tender and has referral pain. Some studies state that trigger points may form as a result from or be irritated by overuse, faulty posture, trauma, mechanical over load or psychological stress. We in our study have aimed to compare the immediate effect of Kinesio tapping with Ischaemic compression on trigger points in trapezius muscle. Materials and Methods: 30 subjects were included in the study, which were divided in Group A (Kinesio Taping) and Group B (Ischemic Compression). Outcome measure was assessed on the basis of NPRS and Cervical Spine ROM based on Pre and Post procedure readings according to the respective groups. Conclusion: Kinesio tapping and ischemic compression both treatment are effective individually to relive pain and increase lateral flexion range of cervical spine and work effectively on different individuals to get the same result.

Effect of ischaemic compression versus kinesiotape on patellar tendinitis

IntroductionThe goal of this study was to compare the impact of ischaemic compression and kinesiotape on pain, physical function, and resting myoelectric activity of vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles in patients with unilateral acute patellar tendinitis.MethodsOverall, 33 patients were randomly assigned to 3 equal groups. Group A received ischaemic compression and conventional treatment of patellar tendinitis. Group B received kinesiotape and conventional treatment of patellar tendinitis. Group C received only conventional treatment. Each patient received 3 sessions per week for 1 month. Pain intensity, physical function, and resting myoelectric activity were measured before, after, and after another 2 weeks of completion of the study.ResultsThe results showed a statistically significant improvement in all the variables between the pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up evaluations in the 3 groups (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsKinesiotape is more effective than ischaemic compression in decreasing pain intensity level, improving physical function, and enhancing the activity of vastus lateralis and vastus medialis muscles in patients with unilateral acute patellar tendinitis.

Comparison of the Effect of Ischemic Compression Therapy and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on the Trigger Point of the Upper Trapezius Muscle

Comparison of the Effect of Ischemic Compression Therapy and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on the Trigger Point of the Upper Trapezius Muscle

Investigating the effectiveness of adding microcurrent therapy to a traditional treatment program in myofascial pain syndrome in terms of neck pain and function

IntroductionTo investigate the effect of microcurrent on pain, pain threshold, range of motion, neck muscle strength, and neck function.MethodsIt is a pilot study involving 28 female subjects (aged 18–24 years) complaining of neck pain due to active unilateral trigger points in upper trapezius muscle. The subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups: group I (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 15) received microcurrent (frequency: 20 Hz, intensity: 25–30 µA) and traditional treatment in the form of stretching exercise for upper fibre of trapezius, isometric strengthening exercise, ischaemic compression technique; group II (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 13) received only traditional treatment. All subjects received 2 sessions per week for 3 weeks.ResultsThere was a significant improvement (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05) in cervical range of motion, pain level, neck disability index, and pain threshold in both treatment groups. Isometric muscle strength was significantly increased (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05) in group I, with no significant (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &gt; 0.05) difference in group II. Group I showed a more significant effect in all measured variables than group II. Neck disability index and muscle strength presented a significant change (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05) with respect to group and time interaction.ConclusionsMicrocurrent therapy added to traditional treatment increased the effectiveness of myofascial pain syndrome treatment as compared with traditional treatment alone.

Effect of Ischemic Compression and Infrared Radiations on Myofascial Trigger Point of Trapezius

Background and Objective: Trigger point is a hypersensitive spot in a taut band of skeletal muscles, it has intense pain while compression, producing movement and any alterations. Trapezius is the common muscle always develop trigger point, although various management exist in managing the trigger point still there are lot of scope in the research. So far, there are no studies on combining IRR with ischemic compression. The objective of the study was to identify the effect of ischemic compression and infrared radiation on myofascial trigger point of trapezius muscle with neck pain patients. Material and Methods: 60 patients were included for the study using experimental study design, they were recruited following due consideration of the selection criteria. First group is an experimental group, which receives IRR along with Ischemic compression therapy for 20 minutes. Second group is control group receives only IRR with gentle neck stretches for 20 minutes. All patient was advised to follow home advices and instructions given by the therapist through the period of the treatment. Written consent was obtained from every individual participant. The study duration was six months and the individual patient underwent 8 weeks. Study identifies two measures as an outcome, which are pain using numerical pain scale and trigger using pressure pain threshold. Results: Blinded assessor is used to identify the data’s collected from the patient during the initial visit and at the last visit by the participant. All the collected data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. The result of the study shows that pain scale was 9.72 (p&lt;0.001) and PPT was 12.25 (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: This study concluded that ischemic compression with infrared radiation therapy in myofascial trigger point of trapezius muscle in neck pain patients and it also significantly reduces the pain as well as the Pressure pain threshold.

Combining Patient Education With Dry Needling and Ischemic Compression for Treating Myofascial Trigger Points in Office Workers With Neck Pain: A Single-Blinded, Randomized Trial

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare immediate and short-term effects of combining dray needling (DN) + patient education vs ischemic compression (IC) + patient education for treating myofascial trigger points (MTP) in office workers with neck pain. MethodsThis was a single-blinded, randomized trial. Thirty-two participants were randomly assigned to either DN + patient education or IC + patient education group. Both groups received 2 treatment sessions with a 48-hour time interval. Pain intensity, cervical range of motion, Neck Disability Index, and satisfaction were measured. ResultsPain intensity and neck disability level decreased, whereas the cervical range of motion (side-bending and rotation) increased in both groups. Analysis of variance revealed a significant interaction of group × treatment only for pain intensity, indicating a greater reduction in the IC group. Satisfaction generally increased in the follow-up assessment in both groups. ConclusionBoth intervention groups had some positive immediate and short-term effects after 2 treatment sessions. However, IC + patient education was more effective than DN + patient education in the treatment of MTPs in office workers with neck pain.