Lijin D Raj1, Surya Prakash Sharma2, Luvneesh Dhar3. AmreshKumar4, PriyankMohan5
| Corresponding author: 1Physiotherapist, Northern Railway Central Hospital, New Delhi, India, Mail id: lijinphysio@gmail.com Co Authors: 2Sr.DMO/Ortho/Northern Railway Central Hospital, New Delhi, India 3BPT intern, Northern railway central hospital, New Delhi, India 4Sr Physiotherapist/Northern Railway Central Hospital, New Delhi, India 5Sr Physiotherapist/Northern Railway Central Hospital, New Delhi, India |
ABSTRACT
| Background Trapezius myalgia, marked by neck-shoulder pain and trigger points in the upper trapezius, is common among individuals engaged in repetitive or static work and those under psychological stress. This study compares the effects of manual therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in patients with trapezius myalgia. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was used with 30 patients who were diagnosed with trapezius pain and stiffness and met the inclusion criteria. Patients were equally divided in 2 groups. First group underwent manual therapy comprising techniques like myofascial release (MFR) and ischemic compression (IC) and the second group underwent transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and it was followed with both groups being administered with passive stretching of the upper trapezius and moist heat pack. The treatment consisted of 20 sessions over a period 4 weeks. Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and range of motion (ROM) scores were evaluated on the first and tenth days of therapy. Results: Statistically significant reduction in pain levels and an increase in neck ROM in both groups. The manual therapy group showed a t-value of 10, which was higher than the critical t-value of 1.761, confirming a meaningful reduction in pain. The TENS group showed a t-value of 5.57, also exceeding the critical t-value of 1.761. The independent t-test showed a computed t-value of 5.89, which exceeded the critical t-value of 1.701. Conclusion The study found improvements in pain and mobility in both groups with trapezius myalgia following treatment. However, the group receiving manual therapy, including MFR and IC showed more significant results compared to the TENS group. Therefore, manual therapy is recommended for better pain reduction and mobility improvement in patients with trapezius myalgia. Keywords: Trapezius myalgia, Myofascial release, Ischemic compression, Numerical pain rating scale |
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