The Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Active Myofascial Trigger Points of Upper Trapezius Muscle

postural muscles, such as trapezius. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique (IASTM) on the active trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle and muscle fiber changes.

Methods and Materials:

 A 29-year-old woman with the history of intermittent cervical pain and the active trigger point of upper trapezius muscle has been presented. Physiotherapist evaluated the local pain intensity through VAS (Visual Analog Scale) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) using algometer. Iranian version of Neck Disability Index (NDI) questionnaire was used to determine patient’s ability to manage her everyday life. Also, thickness of the muscle was recorded by means of real-time images taken by ultra-sonographic apparatus. 50 days after completion of treatment, pressure pain threshold and local pain intensity were evaluated at 1st and 6th sessions. Muscle thickness and NDI were evaluated at 1st and 6th sessions.

The results of this study have shown that 6 sessions of IASTM technique were performed every other day, reduce the intensity of pain, increase the PPT, and decrease the patient’s disability (NDI). Also, this technique has changed the muscle fiber thickness after 6 sessions of treatment.

According to the present study, applying the complete protocol of IASTM technique had better and more durable effects on improving the active trigger point of the upper trapezius muscle.