An immediate effect of myofascial release therapy and combined approach on myofascial trigger points in upper fibres of trapezius: a comparative study

Due to this Covid-19 pandemic the IT professionals have to do their office work at a desk or the computer and spend their many hours with the same head posture which is a very common source of tension and neck pain. Muscle energy technique, it is a kind of manual technique which involves soft tissue mobilization. This technique required patients own energy or efforts. Myofascial release is a manual therapy; it is a hands-on therapy which means therapist use his/her manual power and apply sufficient amount of power into and onto the patient body.

To compare the efficacy Myofascial release therapy alone and combination of muscle energy technique and passive stretching and to find its immediate effect on myofascial trigger points in upper fibres of trapezius.

20 subjects participated in this study of age groups of 20–50 years were divided into two groups, group A and group B. Group-A: Combined Approach [Muscle Energy Technique + Passive Stretching] and Group B: Myofascial Release therapy. Visual Analogue Scale, Neck Disability Index, Goniometry were taken as outcome measures. Subjects were assessed prior to the treatment, immediately after the treatment post readings were taken to see the carry over effect of treatment.

MFR is more effective to improve pain and combined approach is more effective in increasing range of motion.

The study concluded that MFR is more effective to improve VAS and NDI score and combined approach is more effective in Goniometery.