Original Research Article
Year: 2018 | Month: April | Volume: 8 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 74-81
A Comparative Study on the Efficacy of Ischaemic Compression and Dry Needling with Muscle Energy Technique in Patients with Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points
Dr Tanusree Basak1, Dr Tapas Kumar Pal2, Ms Munmun Sasi3, Dr Shabnam Agarwal1
1Associate Professor, 2Assistant Professor, 3Post graduate Scholar,
Nopany Institute of Healthcare Studies, Kolkata- 700006, India
Corresponding Author: Dr Tanusree Basak
ABSTRACT
Background: Myofascial pain is one of the most common examples of musculoskeletal pain arising from Myofascial Trigger Point (MTrP) frequently in Upper Trapezius Muscle. Ischemic compression (IC) is the application of direct, sustained digital pressure on the MTrP with sufficient strength and specific time duration, to slow the blood flow and relieve tension of that muscle. Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is another manual approach for achieving tonus release (inhibition) in a muscle. Dry Needling (DN) is a non-manual intervention where needle is inserted directly into an MTrP.
Objective: To evaluate the effect of IC and DN with common intervention of MET in patients with upper trapezius MTrP.
Intervention: Individuals (n=28) aged 18 to 30 years with palpable taut band in Upper Trapezius Muscle were randomly allocated into two treatment groups. Group A received IC and MET for 3 sessions for 1 week and Group B received DN and MET for 3 sessions for 1 week.
Study design: Comparative Experimental Design.
Outcome measures: Pain Pressure Algometry, Spin T Goniometry to measure cervical ROM, Neck Disability
Results: Within group analysis revealed significant improvement in either groups (p<0.05) after 1 week of intervention. However when both groups were compared, there was no statistical significant difference found.
Conclusion: IC and DN were equally effective in combination with MET in the treatment of upper trapezius MTrPs.
Key words: Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Point, Ischemic Compression, Dry needling, Muscle Energy Technique, Pain Pressure Algometry, Spin T Goniometry.