Comparative effects of Myofascial Technique Alone and In Combination with Isometrics on Myofascial pain Syndrome Due to Excessive Smartfone Usage

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a regional musculoskeletal pain disorder which is caused by the formation of myofascial trigger points. Myofascial trigger point pain is typical and frequently so debilitating that it is vital to receive quick and efficient treatment. This pain is commonly seen in people that are in their teenage or in adults effecting both men and women. Many interventions have been used to treat this condition by physiotherapists and respective health care providers such as trigger point release, massage therapies, acupuncture techniques, and other heat and cold therapies, among others. Objective: This study compares the efficiency of myofascial release techniques along with isometrics exercises and isolated myofascial release for the upper trapezius muscles' myofascial trigger points. Methods: It was a Randomized clinical trial carried out in the city of Faisalabad. Two groups of the patients were made and randomly assigned by lottery method. Both the groups received myofascial release techniques baseline treatment. Group A received the isometrics with myofascial release technique and group B received the isolated myofascial release technique. The Trapezius muscle's trigger points were assessed using Simon's trigger point criteria. Outcome measures were VAS and Neck pain assessment form. Results: Upon completion of the trial, NDI and VAS scores were assessed prior to and after the treatment; before treatment group A of NDI demonstrated average score of 10.7333 and group B showed 14.5333, while after treatment the score was transformed to group A; 3.4000 and group B; 4.8667. For VAS, group A and B before treatment scored 5.7333 and 5.8667, respectively, whereas, after treatment they scored 2.4667 and 2.5333, respectively. Conclusion: MFR along with isometrics was slightly more effective as compared to isolated MFR in pain alleviation and improvements of ROM but statistically both of interventions given were effective.