EFFECTS OF MYOFASCIAL RELEASE AND VAPOCOOLANT SPRAY WITH STRETCH TECHNIQUE ON UPPER TRAPEZIUS TRIGGER POINTS

BACKGROUND Myofascial pain syndrome is a common source of pain in people with bad postures. Mostly trigger points (TrP) of muscles become chronic and cause restricted ROM. Upper trapezius TrP are common in people of all ages especially young and middle aged adults. Physical therapy has been used to release these TrP. OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of Myofascial release and spray with stretch technique on upper trapezius trigger points METHODOLOGY 30 individuals with history of neck pain were taken through non-probability purposive sampling technique. They are randomly allocated to intervention and control group. The intervention group received Myofascial release technique with stretching exercises and the control group received spray with stretch technique. The techniques were applied for three consecutive days. A pre-assessment and post-assessment of ROM and pain scores on VAS were taken. RESULT This study shows that the ranges of cervical side flexion of both sides were increased in intervention and control groups. CONCLUSION Myofascial release have greater effects in releasing upper trapezius TrP with significant reduction in neck pain and improved neck movements as compared to spray and stretch technique and there would be minimal chances of early recurrence of TrP after about 3 days of receiving it.