Muscle Energy Technique Versus Myofascial Release in Chronic Non Specific Neck Pain

Overview

Chronic non-specific neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that can significantly affect daily activities, sleep quality, and overall quality of life. It is often associated with muscle tightness, poor posture, and reduced neck mobility without any specific underlying structural pathology such as fracture or nerve compression. This study aims to compare two commonly used physiotherapy treatment techniques: Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain. A total of 52 participants aged 18-45 years with neck pain lasting more than three months will be included in this randomized controlled trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group A: Conventional physiotherapy plus Muscle Energy Technique Group B: Conventional physiotherapy plus Myofascial Release Therapy Both groups will receive treatment twice weekly for four weeks . Conventional physiotherapy will include moist heat application and stretching exercises for neck muscles. In addition, one group will receive Muscle Energy Technique targeting the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and scalene muscles, while the other group will receive Myofascial Release Therapy targeting the same muscle groups. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, at the second week, and at the fourth week. The study will evaluate: Pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) Neck range of motion (Inclinometer) Sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) Neck-related disability (Neck Disability Index) The results of this study may help determine which technique is more effective in reducing pain, improving movement, enhancing sleep quality, and reducing disability in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain. This may support clinicians in selecting the most appropriate treatment approach.

Neck pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders globally and is a leading cause of disability. Chronic non-specific neck pain (NSNP) is characterized by mechanical neck pain lasting more than three months without identifiable structural pathology such as fracture, infection, radiculopathy, or malignancy. It is commonly associated with postural dysfunction, muscle tightness, and impaired cervical mobility. Various physiotherapy interventions are used in the management of NSNP. Among them, Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) are widely practiced manual therapy techniques. However, limited direct comparative evidence exists regarding their relative effectiveness in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain, particularly concerning outcomes such as sleep quality and functional disability. This study is designed as a single-blinded randomized controlled trial conducted at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore. The study duration will be six months following research board approval. A total of 52 participants (26 per group), aged 18-45 years, diagnosed with chronic non-specific neck pain of at least three months duration, will be recruited using non-probability convenience sampling. Sample size calculation was performed using pain (NPRS) as the primary outcome measure, with 95% confidence interval and 80% power. Participants will be randomly allocated using sealed opaque envelope simple randomization into: Group A (Conventional Physiotherapy + Muscle Energy Technique) Participants will receive: Moist heat pack application (10 minutes) Static stretching of upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and scalene muscles Followed by: Muscle Energy Technique targeting upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and scalene muscles using post-isometric relaxation principles (20% isometric contraction held for 7-10 seconds, repeated in sets). Total session duration: 40 minutes Frequency: 2 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Group B (Conventional Physiotherapy + Myofascial Release Therapy) Participants will receive: Moist heat pack application Static stretching exercises Followed by: Myofascial Release Therapy applied to upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and scalene muscles using sustained manual pressure (90-120 seconds) and controlled stretching techniques. Total session duration: 35 minutes Frequency: 2 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, second week, and fourth week: Pain intensity: Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) Cervical range of motion: Inclinometer Sleep quality: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Disability: Neck Disability Index (NDI) The assessor will be blinded to group allocation. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Normality testing will be performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Between-group comparisons will be conducted using Independent Sample t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Within-group comparisons will be analyzed using Repeated Measures ANOVA or Friedman test, depending on data distribution. This study aims to determine whether Muscle Energy Technique or Myofascial Release Therapy provides superior outcomes in reducing pain, improving cervical mobility, enhancing sleep quality, and decreasing disability in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain. The findings may help optimize evidence-based physiotherapy management strategies for this population.