Comparison of efficacy of Active Release Technique with Ultrasound and Strain- Counterstrain Technique with Ultrasound on Upper Trapezius Trigger Points

Background: In upper cross syndrome (UCS), weaker neck flexors, anterior and middle serratus and lower trapezius along with rhomboids usually develop, and stiffness of the levator scapulae, pectoralis major as well as upper trapezius are biomechanically adapted. Muscle imbalance is the primary cause for the upper cross syndrome between the tonic and phasic muscles. Individuals with upper cross syndrome may also exhibit any of the following issues text neck syndrome, round upper back, reduced thoracic spine mobility, winged scapulae. Active Release Technique (ART) helps to reduce discomfort and improve the range of movement. Also, Active Release Technique (ART) is a manual procedure which is also being used for other soft tissue rehabilitation as well as for the management of the scar tissues. UCS and neck pain is common with uncomfortable job postures as well as in stress and anxiety, due to which muscle dysfunction starts which can further followed by altered posture around the neck. Active Release Technique was also used earlier for muscle dysfunction and for scar tissue mobilization. Changes in musculature structure may exhibit chronic headaches among the patients of upper cross syndrome also unbalanced soft tissue near the neck may create barriers for the head’s range of motion (ROM). Patients complaints were pain, decreased job efficiency for which he was later diagnosed as a case of upper cross syndrome. The patient showed great co-operation during the treatment and now the patient is able to perform his job-related tasks without discomfort

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Comparison between the Immediate Effects of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Active Release Technique in Individuals Wearing High Heels

International Journal of Health Sciences and Research ◽

10.52403/ijhsr.20211024 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. 186-195

Author(s):

Jahnvi T. Shah ◽

Mayuri Ghumatkar ◽

Ajay Kumar

Keyword(s):

Soft Tissue ◽

Range Of Motion ◽

Trigger Points ◽

Release Technique ◽

Tissue Manipulation ◽

Group A ◽

High Heels ◽

Active Release Technique ◽

Active Release ◽

Soft Tissue Mobilization

Background: Wearing high heels regularly places muscle-tendon units (MTUs) in a shortened position. In this condition the length of the calf MTU (gastrocnemius-soleus) is reduced by the continuous ankle plantar flexion cause by the heel lift imposed by the high heels, which leads to concomitant inflexibility of these muscles. Tightness of these muscles inturns leads to formation of trigger points within the muscles. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is an approach to soft tissue manipulation that uses concave and convex stainless steel instruments to release scar tissue, break soft tissue adhesions, and remove fascial restrictions. Active Release Techniques, or ART, is a soft tissue treatment method that focuses on relieving tissue tension via the removal of fibrosis/adhesion that develops in tissue that is overloaded with repetitive use. Objective: To compare the immediate effect of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Active Release Technique for gastrosoleus muscle in individuals wearing high heels using VAS and active dorsiflexion using universal goniometer. Method: 30 subjects were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly allocated into two groups of 15 each. Group A received Instrument Assisted soft tissue mobilization and Group B received Active Release Technique for Gastro-soleus muscle. Pre and Post intervention Dorsiflexion range of motion and VAS scores were analysed. Result: The statistical analyses showed that there is signification increase in dorsiflexion range of motion and significant reduction in pain in both the groups. (p<0.0001). However, inter group analysis showed that Group A is much more effective in improving the range of motion and reducing pain scores. Conclusion: The present study concluded that Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization is a better intervention for the release of trigger points as it shows greater increase in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and a significant pain reduction when compared to Active Release Technique. Key words: Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization(IASTM), Active Release Technique(ART), Range of Motion, pain, High Heels, Calf Muscles.

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