Comparison of the effect of one week of myofascial self-release process and massage on pain and range of motion of neck in women with trapezius muscle trigger points

Matinfard, Sara; Hovanloo, Fariborz

doi:10.22059/sshr.2024.377293.1144

Comparison of the effect of one week of myofascial self-release process and massage on pain and range of motion of neck in women with trapezius muscle trigger points

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Sara Matinfard ¹

Fariborz Hovanloo ²

¹ Department of Health and Sport Rehabilitation, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Shahid Beheshti, Tehran, Iran

² Department of Health ran&amp;amp;amp;amp; Sport Rehabilitation, Faculty of Sport Sciences &amp;amp;amp;amp; Health, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran,I

10.22059/sshr.2024.377293.1144

Abstract

Background: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is caused by sensitive spot in muscles that are known as trigger points (TPs) which can have complications that can affect person's quality of life. Massage and self-myofascial-release (SMR) are two non-invasive techniques which are used to reduce the side effects of TPs.
Aim: The present study is intending to compare the effect of the two mentioned techniques in reducing complications caused by TPs such as reduced ROM and pain in women with MPS of the trapezius muscle.
Materials and Methods: 45 women aged 20-25 years with active TPs in the trapezius muscle were randomly divided into two experimental groups and one control group. The research process was one week which consists of pretest, 5 days intervention and post-test. The variables included pain measured by OBER questionnaire and ROM of neck measured by goniometer.
Results: The results of the study showed that massage can have a significant effect on the ROM of neck including neck flexion (P= 0.00), extension (P= 0.00), left (P= 0.00) and right (P= 0.004) lateral flexion and left (P=0.00) and right (P= 0.04) rotation (P<0.05). Both massage and SMR interventions had a significant effect on reducing pain measured by OBER questionnaire (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Findings of this study showed that myofascial release massage can have better effects on increasing neck ROM. Both treatment modalities are useful in reducing pain. Based on the obtained results, we recommend that specialists use massage intervention instead of myofascial self-release (SMR) for individuals suffering from MPS and neck pain, in order to achieve quicker and more extensive results.

Keywords

massage

myofascial pain syndrome

myofascial self-release

myofascial trigger points

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[45] Bukhari SN, Khan T. "Comparison between effects of ischemic compression therapy and deep friction massage therapy for trigger points in neck and upper back". Journal Riphah College of Rehabilitation Sciences. 2020; 8(01): S29-S32. DOI: 10.5455/JRCRS. 202008SI07.

[46] Shahrokhi H, Abbasi H, Hajian K. "The effect of release massage and stretching exercises on pain, range of motion and functional disability of the neck due to myofascial Trigger points of the trapezius muscle". Studies in Sport Medicine. 2020; 12(27): 67-82. DOI: 10.22089/smj.2021.9503.1444.

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[48] Hammer W. "Integrative fascial release & functional testing: Commentary". Australasian Chiropractic & Osteopathy. 2000; 9(1): 13.

[49] Frontera WR. Rehabilitation of Sports Injuries: Scientific Basis. John Wiley & Sons. 2008.

Volume 16, Issue 2
July 2024
Pages 217-227

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Comparison of the effect of one week of myofascial self-release process and massage on pain and range of motion of neck in women with trapezius muscle trigger points

[1] Hestbaek L, Leboeuf-Yde C, Manniche C. "Low back pain: what is the long-term course? A review of studies of general patient populations". European Spine Journal. 2003; 12: 149-65. DOI: 10.1007/s00586-002-0508-5.

[2] Bonica JJ. "Management of myofascial pain syndromes in general practice". Journal of the American Medical Association. 1957; 164(7): 732-8.

[3] Ishiki H, Kinkawa J, Watanabe A, Watanabe C, Chiba T, Yasui H, et al. "Prevalence of myofascial pain syndrome in patients with incurable cancer". Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2018; 22(2): 328-32. DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2017.05.005.

[4] Dommerholt J, Bron C, Franssen J. "Myofascial trigger points: an evidence-informed review". Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. 2006; 14(4): 203-21. DOI: 10.1179/106698106790819991.

[5] Galasso A, Urits I, An D, Nguyen D, Borchart M, Yazdi C, et al. "A comprehensive review of the treatment and management of myofascial pain syndrome". Current Pain and Headache Reports. 2020; 24: 1-11. DOI: 10.1007/s11916-020-00877-5.

[6] Lucas KR, Polus BI, Rich PA. "Latent myofascial trigger points: their effects on muscle activation and movement efficiency". Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2004; 8(3): 160-6. DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2003.12.002.

[7] Lucas N, Macaskill P, Irwig L, Moran R, Bogduk N. "Reliability of physical examination for diagnosis of myofascial trigger points: a systematic review of the literature". The Clinical Journal of Pain. 2009; 25(1): 80-9. DOI: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e31817e13b6.

[8] Simons D. "Myofascial pain and dysfunction". The Trigger Point Manual. 1999.

[9] Dommerholt J. "Persistent myalgia following whiplash". Current Pain and Headache Reports. 2005; 9: 326-30.

[10] Munglani R. "Neurobiological mechanisms underlying chronic whiplash associated pain: The peripheral maintenance of central sensitization". Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain. 2000; 8(1-2): 169-78. DOI: 10.1300/J094v08n01_14.

[11] Lucas KR, Rich PA, Polus BI. "How common are latent myofascial trigger points in the scapular positioning muscles?". Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain. 2008; 16(4): 279-86. DOI: 10.1080/10582450802479800.

[12] Bron C, De Gast A, Dommerholt J, Stegenga B, Wensing M, Oostendorp RA. "Treatment of myofascial trigger points in patients with chronic shoulder pain: A randomized, controlled trial". BMC Medicine. 2011; 9: 1-14. DOI: 10.1186/1741-7015-9-8.

[13] Ourieff J SB, Agarwal A. Anatomy, Back, Trapezius. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518994/: StatPearls Publishing; Updated 2023 Mar 11.

[14] Huang LL, Huang TS, Lin YH, Huang CY, Yang JL, Lin JJ. "Effects of Upper trapezius myofascial trigger points on scapular kinematics and muscle activation in overhead athletes". J Hum Kinet. 2022; 84: 32-42. DOI: 10.2478/hukin-2022-000079.

[15] Hong CZ. "Lidocaine injection versus dry needling to myofascial trigger point: the importance of the local twitch response". American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. 1994; 73(4): 256-63.

[16] Fomby EW, Mellion MB. "Identifying and treating myofascial pain syndrome". The Physician and Sportsmedicine. 1997; 25(2): 67-75.

[18] Justo ACBDC, Fernandes D, Moura DMD, Da Silva LGD, De Almeida EO, Barbosa GAS. "Acupuncture in temporomandibular disorder myofascial pain treatment: A systematic review". CEP. 2017; 59056(000). DOI: 10.11607/ofph.1719.

[19] Giggins OM, Persson UM, Caulfield B. "Biofeedback in rehabilitation". Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation. 2013; 10: 1-11. DOI: 10.1186/1743-0003-10-60.

[20] Foreman ME. Comparison of Treatment Modes in the Management of Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome. University of British Columbia. 1983.

[22] Malanga GA, Gwynn MW, Smith R, Miller D. "Tizanidine is effective in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome". Pain Physician. 2002; 5(4): 422.

[23] Hall A, Copsey B, Richmond H, Thompson J, Ferreira M, Latimer J, Maher CG. "Effectiveness of tai chi for chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions: updated systematic review and meta-analysis". Physical Therapy. 2017; 97(2): 227-38. DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194434.

[24] Manchikanti L, Sanapati J, Benyamin RM, Atluri S, Kaye AD, Hirsch JA. "Reframing the prevention strategies of the opioid crisis: focusing on prescription opioids, fentanyl, and heroin epidemic". Pain Physician. 2018; 21(4): 309. DOI: 2018 Jul;21(4):309-326.

[25] Dryden T, Baskwill A, Preyde M. "Massage therapy for the orthopaedic patient: A review". Orthopaedic Nursing. 2004; 23(5): 327-32.

[26] Hernandez-Reif M, Field T, Krasnegor J, Theakston H. "Lower back pain is reduced and range of motion increased after massage therapy". International Journal of Neuroscience. 2001; 106(3-4): 131-45.

[28] Wilke J, Vogt L, Banzer W. "Immediate effects of self-myofascial release on latent trigger point sensitivity: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial". Biology of Sport. 2018; 35(4): 349-54. DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2018.78055.

[29] Paolini J. "Review of myofascial release as an effective massage therapy technique". International Journal of Athletic Therapy and Training. 2009; 14(5): 30-4.

[30] Couture G, Karlik D, Glass SC, Hatzel BM. "The effect of foam rolling duration on hamstring range of motion". The Open Orthopaedics Journal. 2015; 9: 450. DOI: 10.2174/1874325001509010450.

[31] Mauntel TC, Clark MA, Padua DA. "Effectiveness of myofascial release therapies on physical performance measurements: A systematic review". Athletic Training & Sports Health Care. 2014; 6(4): 189-96. DOI: 10.3928/19425864-20140717-02.

[32] Findley TW, Shalwala M. "Fascia research congress evidence from the 100 year perspective of Andrew Taylor still". Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. 2013; 17(3): 356-64. DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2013.05.015.

[34] Bradbury-Squires DJ, Noftall JC, Sullivan KM, Behm DG, Power KE, Button DC. "Roller-massager application to the quadriceps and knee-joint range of motion and neuromuscular efficiency during a lunge". Journal of Athletic Training. 2015; 50(2): 133-40. DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-49.5.03.

[35] Pearcey GE, Bradbury-Squires DJ, Kawamoto JE, Drinkwater EJ, Behm DG, Button DC. "Foam rolling for delayed-onset muscle soreness and recovery of dynamic performance measures". Journal of Athletic Training. 2015; 50(1): 5-13. DOI: 10.4085/1062-6050-50.1.01.

[36] Bennett RM, Goldenberg DL. "Fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, tender points and trigger points: splitting or lumping?". Arthritis Res Ther. 2011; 13(3): 117. DOI: 10.1186/ar3357.

[37] Williams MA, McCarthy CJ, Chorti A, Cooke MW, Gates S. "A systematic review of reliability and validity studies of methods for measuring active andPassive cervical range of motion". Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2010; 33(2): 138-55. DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2009.12.009.

[38] Norkin CC, White DJ. Measurement of Joint Motion: A Guide to Goniometry. FA Davis; 2016.

[40] Ughreja RA, Venkatesan P, Gopalakrishna DB, Singh YP. "Effectiveness of myofascial release on pain, sleep, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: A systematic review". Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2021; 45: 101477. DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101477.

[43] Patel DG, Vyas NJ, Sheth MS. "Immediate effect of application of bilateral self myo-fascial release on the plantar surface of the foot on hamstring and lumbar spine flexibility: A quasi experimental study". Foot. 2016; 3(7): 10.1016. DOI: 10.20530/IJTA_32_94-99.

[45] Bukhari SN, Khan T. "Comparison between effects of ischemic compression therapy and deep friction massage therapy for trigger points in neck and upper back". Journal Riphah College of Rehabilitation Sciences. 2020; 8(01): S29-S32. DOI: 10.5455/JRCRS. 202008SI07.

[46] Shahrokhi H, Abbasi H, Hajian K. "The effect of release massage and stretching exercises on pain, range of motion and functional disability of the neck due to myofascial Trigger points of the trapezius muscle". Studies in Sport Medicine. 2020; 12(27): 67-82. DOI: 10.22089/smj.2021.9503.1444.

[47] Werenski J. "The effectiveness of Myofascial release technique in the treatment of Myofascial pain". Lit Rev. 2011; 32: 440-50. DOI: 10.37506/3rb9wr37.

[48] Hammer W. "Integrative fascial release & functional testing: Commentary". Australasian Chiropractic & Osteopathy. 2000; 9(1): 13.

[49] Frontera WR. Rehabilitation of Sports Injuries: Scientific Basis. John Wiley & Sons. 2008.

Volume 16, Issue 2July 2024Pages 217-227

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Volume 16, Issue 2
July 2024
Pages 217-227