Immediate effect of muscle energy technique on latent trigger point of upper trapezius muscle,  Clinical Chiropractic , Volume 15, Issues 3–4, December 2012, Pages 112–120

Background: Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal problem in the General population. Upper trapezius is a superficial postural muscle that tends to get shortened due to overuse activity which causes neck pain and reduces neck mobility. The aim of this study was to compare the immediate effect of Muscle energy technique (MET) and passive stretching of upper trapezius muscle in neck pain patients.Methods: An experimental study was undertaken during period from March 2017 to March 2018. 358 participants with Neck pain were included in this study. Participants were divided in two groups: Group A received Hot pack and MET for upper Trapezius. Group B received Hot pack and Passive stretching for upper trapezius. Visual analogue scale (VAS) at end range of motion (ROM), same cervical side flexion and opposite side cervical rotation by goniometer and tape were taken as outcome measures. Participants were assessed prior to the treatment, immediately after the treatment and post 24 hours to see the carry over treatment.Results: Mann Whitney U test showed that VAS at end range of motion, opposite side cervical rotation and same side cervical side flexion had significant improvement in MET group as compared to passive stretching group (p<0.0001). Carry over effect was less significant with p<0.0001.Conclusions: A single session of MET for upper trapezius muscle reduced the pain intensity (VAS) and increased the cervical rotation and cervical side flexion.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of the Combination of Muscle Energy Technique and Trigger Point Therapy in Asymptomatic Individuals with a Latent Trigger Point

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17228430 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (22) ◽

pp. 8430

Author(s):

Michał Wendt ◽

Małgorzata Waszak

Keyword(s):

Cervical Spine ◽

Pain Threshold ◽

Trigger Point ◽

Pressure Pain Threshold ◽

Trapezius Muscle ◽

Upper Trapezius ◽

Muscle Energy Technique ◽

Muscle Energy ◽

Trigger Point Therapy ◽

Asymptomatic Individuals

(1) Background: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the combination therapy of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Trigger Point Therapy (TPT) on the angular values of the range of movements of the cervical spine and on the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the trapezius muscle in asymptomatic individuals. METHODS: The study involved 60 right-handed, asymptomatic students with a latent trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle. All qualified volunteers practiced amateur symmetrical sports. The study used a tensometric electrogoniometer (cervical spine movement values) and an algometer (pressure pain threshold (PPT) of upper trapezius). Randomly (sampling frame), volunteers were assigned to three different research groups (MET + TPT, MET and TPT). All participants received only one therapeutic intervention. Measurements were taken in three time-intervals (pre, post and follow-up the next day after therapy). (2) Results: One-time combined therapy (MET + TPT) significantly increases the range of motion occurring in all planes of the cervical spine. One-time treatments of single MET and single TPT therapy selectively affect the mobility of the cervical spine. The value of the PPT significantly increased immediately after all therapies, but only on the right trapezius muscle, while on the left side only after the therapy combining MET with TPT. (3) Conclusion: The MET + TPT method proved to be the most effective, as it caused changes in all examined goniometric and subjective parameters.

Download Full-text

COMPARING MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE AND HOLD RELAX IN THE MANAGEMENT OF NECK PAIN AND UPPER TRAPEZIUS TIGHTNESS

Pakistan Journal of Rehabilitation ◽

10.36283/pjr.zu.4.2/010 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 45-51

Author(s):

Qurat ul Ain Adnan ◽

Mehwish Shamim ◽

Huma Abbas ◽

Kawish Jamil

Keyword(s):

Neck Pain ◽

Trapezius Muscle ◽

Pain Scale ◽

Upper Trapezius ◽

Muscle Energy Technique ◽

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation ◽

Group A ◽

Upper Trapezius Muscle ◽

Muscle Energy ◽

Group B

OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Hold Relax Technique of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) in non-specific neck pain and upper trapezius tightness. STUDY DESIGN AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUES Experimental Study, Randomized Control Trial. STUDY SETTINGS & PARTICIPANTS Study was conducted at reputed Institute of Physical Therapy and Hospital including students, teachers, staff, and patients with a sample size of thirty participants. INTERVENTION MET and PNF hold relax technique is applied for non specific neck pain and upper trapezius spasm. OUTCOME MEASURES Using single blinded randomization, subjects were allocated into two groups A and B. In Group A hold relax of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) was applied to upper trapezius muscle while in group B Muscle Energy Technique (MET) was applied on the same muscle. Comparison is made for examining the effectiveness of both PNF and MET on pain scale and cervical ranges. RESULTS Improvements were seen in both groups but results of Hold Relax PNF technique is found to be more effective than MET. Major difference was reported pre and post treatment in the pain magnitude and neck range of motion. CONCLUSION The result of this study supports the application of PNF technique for relieving non-specific neck pain and upper trapezius muscle spasm. Keywords Muscle Energy Technique, Proprioceptive neuromuscular, Facilitation, Hold Relax, Non-specific neck pain, Upper Trapezius Spasm, Pain Magnitude, Randomization

Download Full-text