Comparative Effects of Bowen Therapy and Myofascial Release Technique on Upper Trapezius Tightness in Patients With Non-specific Neck Pain

University of Faisalabad32 enrolled

Overview

The randomized clinical trial was involved 32 participants with upper trapezius tightness in patients with non-specific neck pain. A randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Out Patient Department (OPD) of Madinah Teaching Hospital Faisalabad, Aziz Fatimah Hospital, Faisalabad and In motion physiotherapy rehab clinic, Faisalabad. Simple random sampling technique was used. Sample size was 32 calculated by statistical software (Open Epi Tool). Participants was divided into 2 groups using random number generator method. Bowen therapy was given to group A (n=16) while myofascial release technique was given to group B (n=16).Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Universal goniometer and Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used to quantify pain, cervical range of motion and functional disability respectively.

Non-specific neck pain is linked with postural or mechanical factors like improper posture and work related activities with no neurological sign or traumatic condition. Upper trapezius (postural muscle) basically involved in neck pain. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of bowen therapy and myofascial release technique on upper trapezius tightness in patients with non-specific neck pain.One technique for mobilizing soft tissues is myofascial release. It uses manual traction and prolonged muscle and fascia stretching to break down adhesions which lessens pain and improve flexibility.Thus it is recommended that this method act as a catalyst to address trapezius problems One technique for mobilizing soft tissues is myofascial release. It uses manual traction and prolonged muscle and fascia stretching to break down adhesions which lessens pain and improve flexibility .Bowen therapy is a form of manual therapy that involves manipulating soft tissues. This technique involves precise sequences of gentle cross-fibrer movements across muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia with few grams of force which enhance circulation of blood, reduces pain and relieve psychological stress. Having no side effects due to it's gentle characteristics .A randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Out Patient Department (OPD) of Madinah Teaching Hospital Faisalabad, Aziz Fatimah Hospital, Faisalabad and In motion physiotherapy rehab clinic, Faisalabad. 20-35 years aged participants both male and female with non-specific neck pain along with trapezius tightness was included. Participants with neurological symptoms was excluded. Written and verbal consent was obtained from participants before including into study. Participants was divided into 2 groups using random number generator method. Bowen therapy was given to group A (n=16) while myofascial release technique was given to group B (n=16).Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Universal goniometer and Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used to quantify pain, cervical range of motion and functional disability respectively. IBM SPSS version 20 was used for statistically analysis of data.

Interventions

Group A ( Bowen therapy)OTHER

Both groups was received baseline treatment as: Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation(TENS) (a high frequency,100 Hz pulse length, 60 seconds, 10 minutes ) and moist hot pack (10 min) was given as a baseline treatment. Treatment session for 15-20 min that includes different body movements .2-3 repetitions of movements .Movements was repeated after 2 min rest interval.

Group B ( Myofascial release therapy )OTHER

Both groups was received baseline treatment as: Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation(TENS) (a high frequency,100 Hz pulse length, 60 seconds, 10 minutes ) and moist hot pack (10 min) was given as a baseline treatment Patients was seated on stools while the therapist stood behind them.The base of neck or the upper scapular region was approached medially as pressure is applied using the forearm or the ulnar side of palm. The patient was instructed to maintain an upright posture while leaning sideways and turning their head in opposite direction throughout this gliding motion. 3-4 times this gliding technique was used .

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 20 YearsMax age: 35 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Patient aged between 20-35 years was included. Patients of both sexes(male-female) included . Patients with non-specific neck pain along with upper trapezius tightness which will be screened by upper trapezius length test. Patients with duration of neck pain from last one month included . According to Numeric Pain Rating Scale, those patients included whose pain intensity lie between moderate-severe range. Patients was be willing to give consent to participate. Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed case of disc prolapse. Diagnosed spondylolisthesis case. Neck pain radiating into arms, upper extremity or any neurological impairment. Any diagnosed psychiatric condition. Any infection, wound or injury on neck or shoulder region. Any skin allergy or disease . History of recent trauma or surgery in neck/upper back area

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Non-specific neck pain

The NPRS is a simple, 1-question tool used to measure a person's pain intensity. 0 to 100 = "No pain at all" 10 = "Worst pain imaginable".You can ask it for "pain at rest", "pain with activity", or "average pain over the last 24 hours" depending on what you need.

Time frame: At baseline ,At end of 2nd week,At end of 4th week

Secondary Outcomes

Cervical Range of Motion Functional disability

The universal goniometer is a handheld tool used to measure joint range of motion (ROM) in degrees .To assess improvement in mobility, document baseline, and track treatment effects. The NDI is a 10-item self-report questionnaire used to measure neck pain-related disability. Key points:10 sections: Pain intensity, Personal care, Lifting, Reading, Headaches, Concentration, Work, Driving, Sleeping Recreation Scoring: Each item 0-5. Total = 0-50

Time frame: At baseline ,At end of 2nd week ,At end of 4th week