Comparison between Effects of Ischemic Compression Therapy and Deep Friction Massage Therapy for Trigger Points in Neck and Upper Back

DOI: 10.5455/JRCRS. 202008SI07

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the comparative effects of two manual techniques (1) ischemic compression and (2) deep friction massage on myofascial trigger points in the area of the neck and upper back and determine its effects in managing pain, disability and ROM. Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial conducted in TUF (The University of Faisalabad), GCUF (Government College University Faisalabad), and AUF (Agriculture University Faisalabad), Pakistan from January 2017 to June 2017. Based on inclusion criteria, total of 36 female students of different universities were selected and randomly allocated into two groups by lottery method. One group received ischemic compression therapy and the second group received deep friction massage. Twelve treatment sessions were given in four weeks on alternative days. The duration of the study was 6 months. Pre-treatment and post-treatment measurements were taken. Results: The greatest improvement has shown by ischemic compression therapy with NPRS mean 1.17±1.098and NDI mean 16.67±5.531respectively with a Pvalue=0.00at the end of treatment while the cervical ROM was equally enhanced in both treatment groups. Conclusion: This research concludes that IC (ischemic compression) is more effective than the DFM (deep friction massage) in patients with MTrP's in the neck and upper back for decreasing pain and disability. But for increasing cervical ROM, both therapeutic approaches are equally useful.