The comparison of the therapeutic effect of ischemic compression on upper trapezius trigger points in neutral and passive stretched positions in computer's operators

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is thought by some authors to be the main cause of neck and shoulder pain. MPS is characterized by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). The aim of this study was to compare effects of ischemic compression (IC) in stretched & neutral position on the trigger points of trapezius muscle. Sixty computer’s operators with upper trapezius MTrP participated in this study. Subjects were divided randomly in two groups. Group1 that was treated with the IC in stretched position and group 2 that was treated with IC in neutral position of upper trapezius muscle. The local pain intensity, degree of active cervical lateral flexion ROM and pain pressure threshold (PPT) were measured before intervention. Outcome measures were repeated within 5min and 3days after treatment. Statistical methods were kolmogorov-smirnov test, repeated measures ANOVA, independent T-test and Chi-square test. The results showed a significant improvement in PPT, active cervical lateral flexion ROM and a significant decrease in the local pain intensity within each group. There was no significant difference between two groups. IC technique in stretched & neutral position was shown to be effective in increasing active cervical lateral flexion ROM, PPT and reducing pain intensity. IC technique in stretched position was more effective but difference between groups was not significant statistically.