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

(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.

No additional benefit of trigger point therapy in cervical spondylosis patients treated with physiotherapy

Introduction: Trigger points are defined as exquisitely tender spots in discrete taut bands of hardened muscle that produce symptoms. Trigger point therapy is increasingly accepted in the medical literature. Clinical and electrophysiological research has provided biological plausibility for the existence of trigger points.Aim: The main purpose of this study was to determine the additional benefit of trigger point therapy on cervical pain, mobility and functionality in cervical spondylosis patients treated with physiotherapy.Materials and methods: We conducted a 3-week interventional study on eighteen patients diagnosed with cervical spondylosis addressed to a physiotherapy clinic for treatment. After signing an informed consent, patients were randomly allocated into two groups: the study group - which had trigger point therapy added to the common physiotherapy treatment protocol and the control group - which benefited from common physiotherapy treatment only. All patients were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale, Neck Disability Index and cervical mobility. All evaluations were made before treatment, after 2 weeks and 3 weeks of treatment.Results: Both the study and control groups had significantly improved in pain, cervical mobility and physical function. The pain and functionality comparison at the end of the study, did not find significant differences between groups.Conclusion: The study shows that adding trigger point therapy to common physiotherapeutic treatment is not followed by additional improvement in pain, mobility or physical function of patients with cervical spondylosis.

The Role of Myofascial Release in Treating Patients with Tension-Type Headaches: A Critically Appraised Topic

Clinical Question: What is the efficacy of myofascial release, combined with trigger point therapy, in treating pain in patients with tension-type headaches? Clinical Bottom Line: There is significant evidence to support the use of myofascial release and trigger point therapy in patients with pain from tension-type headaches.