Comparison of Ischemic Release and Sustained Pressure Direct Myofascial Release in Upper Trapezius Trigger Point

Foundation University Islamabad42 enrolled

Overview

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the clinical effectiveness of ischemic release and sustained pressure direct myofascial release for upper trapezius trigger points. The study will compare their effects on pain pressure threshold, cervical range of motion, and scapular upward rotation following a two-week intervention.

Eligible participants will be recruited through purposive sampling. Upper trapezius trigger points will be assessed by manual palpation to identify a taut band and hypersensitive nodule, followed by pressure to determine reproduction of the participant's familiar pain. Baseline assessments will include pain pressure threshold, cervical range of motion, and scapular upward rotation. After baseline assessment, 42 participants will be allocated randomly into respective groups, each having 21 participants.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial

Interventions

Ischemic releasePROCEDURE

Participants will receive a two-week physiotherapy program with three sessions per week. Each session will include heat application followed active ROM and passive stretching. Participants in Group A will receive ischemic compression in addition to standard physiotherapy. Pressure should be applied via thumb for 20 second - 1 minute until pain decreases or muscle begin to relax.

Sustained pressure Direct Myofascial releasePROCEDURE

Participants will receive a two-week physiotherapy program with three sessions per week. Each session will include heat application followed active ROM and passive stretching. Participants in Group B will receive sustained pressure direct MFR in addition to standard physiotherapy. Apply pressure to the trigger point for 8-20 seconds, maintaining it until a physical "discharge" or release is felt, which may take five minutes or more.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 35 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * AGE; 18-35 years * Male \& Female * Unilateral Trapezius muscle involvement * Presence of at least one active trigger point in upper trapezius muscle. * Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score of 3-8 points * Subacute Neck pain for 4-12 weeks * Point tenderness on palpable taut band * Reproducible provocation according to referred pain pattern mapping * Cervical range of motion change in SB ≥ 2° and ROT ≥ 2° than normal SB=45° AND ROT=70° * Willing to participate and provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Serious pathology (e.g. neoplasm, fracture) * Radiculopathy * History of whiplash injury within past 6 months * Neurological deficit * Taking steroids or on concurrent physiotherapy treatment * Prior surgery to cervical spine \& shoulder

Locations (1)

Foundation University College of Physical Therapy

Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan

RECRUITING

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Pain Pressure Threshold

Pain pressure threshold will be assessed using a Wagner digital algometer.

Time frame: Baseline and after 2 weeks.

Cervical range of motion

Cervical ROM will be assessed using a goniometer.

Time frame: Baseline and after 2 weeks

Scapular upward rotation

Scapular upward rotation will be assessed using a bubble inclinometer.

Time frame: Baseline and after 2 weeks

Central Contacts

Sohaima Javed, DPT

CONTACT

+92321 5404044 sohaimajaved55@gmail.com

Quratulain Saeed, MS-OMPT

CONTACT

+92331 5562889 quratulain.saeed@fui.edu.pk

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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