Comparison between trigger point compression and trigger point pressure release on upper active trapezius trigger point for mechanical neck pain

Abstract

Purpose: To find out the effectiveness of trigger point compression and trigger point pressure release on upper active trapezius trigger point for mechanical neck pain. Objectives: To assess the effects of pain, range of motion and functional outcome of neck after applying the trigger point compression and trigger point pressure release exercise. Methodology: The study design was quantitative clinical trial. 30 participants with neck pain were allocated (based on inclusion and exclusion criteria). The age range was 18-60 years. They were divided in two groups named as trigger point compression and trigger point pressure release. Each group contained 15 participants. They received 8 sessions of treatment. Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), neck pain disability index scale (NDI) and measurement of range of motion were used in this study to see the effectiveness in pretest and posttest way. NPRS was used to measure the pain intensity in different functional position, goniometer was used to measure the range of motion and NDI was used to measure the functional outcome. Result: Following treatment the study was found that the trigger point compression group showed better improvement than trigger point pressure release group. In Trp compression group the pain intensity, range of motion and functional outcome of neck showed significant improvement where p value was <0.05. In Trp pressure release group didn’t show that much improvement like Trp compression group where p value was >0.05. But both groups showed significant improvement in functional outcome (p<0.05). Though both treatments were effective in functional outcome, it was accepted in this study that trigger point compression is superior to trigger point pressure release for mechanical neck pain. Conclusion: This quantitative clinical trial study shows that trigger point compression is more effective than trigger point pressure release for mechanical neck pain.