Comparing Effectiveness of Myofascial Release and Muscle Stretching on Pain, Disability and Cervical Range of Motion in Patients with Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points

Myofascial Release and Muscle stretching are the two technique used in the treatment of active Myofascial trigger points of a muscle. There is limited evidence for the comparison of Myofascial Release and Muscle stretching in the treatment of active trigger points of Trapezius muscle. The purpose of the study was to compare the effect of Myofascial Release and Muscle stretching on pain, disability and cervical range of motion in patients with trapezius Myofascial trigger points. Total numbers of thirty two patients were randomly assigned to receive either Myofascial Release or Muscle stretching along with hot pack for 3 times/week for 2 weeks. Pain, neck disability index and range of motion were taken at baseline, 1 week, 2 week and follow up (after 1 week) in both the groups. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software 12 version. In both the group significant improvement occurred in VAS score, ROM, and Neck disability index. Between groups analysis revealed that improvement in VAS score and Neck disability index was more in Group A than Group B. There was no significant difference found in ROM in between groups analysis. Myofascial Release is a better treatment technique compared to Ultrasound in the treatment of active Myofascial trigger point.