Effects of spray and stretch technique and post isometric relaxation technique in acute active central trigger point of upper trapezius

To find a better intervention for the treatment of acute active central trigger point of upper Tarpezius between Spray and Stretch technique and Post Isometric Relaxation technique.

Patients with acute active central trigger point of upper trapezius muscle were recruited from Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation center. A total of 45 subjects were selected, these subjects were randomly allocated into three groups with 15 in each group, Group A received Spray and Stretch technique, Group B received Lewit Post Isometric Relaxation and Group C which served as a comparison group received ultrasonic therapy. The outcome measures were pain intensity, Active Pain free range of motion and disability.

All the three groups showed significant difference (P<0.05) in all the outcome measures with group A, showing quicker and better improvement. However stastical analysis failed to show any significant difference between the three groups in all the outcome measures.

Therapies that incorporate stretch of myofascial Trigger point will produce better improvement. Spray and Stretch technique may be effective than Lewit Post Isometric Relaxation & Ultrasonic Therapy in treatment of acute active central trigger point of Upper Trapezius muscle.