Effectiveness of Manual Myofascial Release versus Instrument assisted soft tissue Mobilization (IASTM) in patients with chronic neck pain - RCT

Authors

  • Zoha Sabir Demonstrator, Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
  • Sana Bashir Assistant Professor at Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
  • Qurat ul Ain Saeed Senior Lecturer at Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
  • Sameera Gul Student at Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
  • Syeda Sumaira Batool Lecturer at Foundation University College of Physical Therapy

Keywords:

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, Myofascial Release, Neck pain

Abstract

Background: Chronic neck pain, affecting nearly 50% of the global population annually, is a significant global burden. While Instrument Assisted Soft-tissue Mobilization (IASTM) has shown effectiveness in treating musculoskeletal injuries, there is a scarcity of evidence comparing it with Manual Myofascial Release (MMFR).

Objective: To compare IASTM with Manual Myofascial Release in terms of pain, disability, and cervical range of motion in patients with chronic neck pain.

Methodology: This randomized control trial (RCT) included 30 participants 18-45 years of age with chronic neck pain from Foundation University College of Physical Therapy and Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi. Out of the total 30 participants, 15 were randomly allocated to each group using coin toss method: experimental group (IASTM with stretching) and control group (Manual Myofascial Release with stretching). Informed consent, demographic and anthropometric data were taken. Participants were assessed at the baseline and post assessment was done lastly after the 6th session. The primary outcome measuring tools were Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI) and universal goniometer for measuring pain, neck function and cervical range of motion respectively.

Results:  Among 30 participants (70% females, 30% males) with chronic neck pain lasting nearly 12 months, inter-group analysis revealed no significant difference (p>0.05) between IASTM and Manual Myofascial Release for NPRS, NDI, and Cervical Range of Motion, except for cervical rotation to the right. Intra-group analysis indicated both techniques had a significant impact (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Manual Myofascial Release and Instrument Assisted Soft-tissue Mobilization are equally effective in treating patients with chronic neck pain in terms of pain, neck function and cervical range of motion.

Keywords: Myofascial Release, Neck pain, Neck Disability Index.

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Published

2025-03-20

How to Cite

1.
Sabir Z, Bashir S, Saeed Q ul A, Gul S, Batool SS. Effectiveness of Manual Myofascial Release versus Instrument assisted soft tissue Mobilization (IASTM) in patients with chronic neck pain - RCT. J Riphah Coll. Rehabili. sci. [Internet]. 2025Mar.20 [cited 2025Aug.28];13(1). Available from: https://journals.riphah.edu.pk/index.php/jrcrs/article/view/2040

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 1 (2025): JRCRS Volume 13 Issue 1

Section

Original Articles

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