The Effect of Combining Myofascial Release with Ice Application on a Latent Trigger Point in the Forearm of Young Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Myofascial trigger points (MTrP) are considered to be a common source of pain in people. Due to their presence in any skeletal muscle in the body, they can be relevant in the genesis of musculoskeletal disorders. Their preventive management could reduce its potential activation and impact over people’s functioning.

Objectives: The aim was to determine the immediate effect of combining myofascial release (MFR) with ice on a latent MTrP in the forearm of young adults.

Materials and methods: Using a randomized repeated measures design, 30 young adults with one latent MTrP on the extensor muscles of the forearm were allocated into three groups; group I received ice massage, group II received MFR and group III received MFR with ice. The pressure pain threshold (PPT), pressure pain perception (PPP) and strength of the flexor and extensor muscles of the forearm were evaluated at baseline, immediately after treatment and at 30 min.

Results: An immediate improvement in PPT (p  < 0.05) and PPP (p  <  0.0005) occurred in group III. Additionally, an increase in flexor muscle strength (p  <  0.05) is observed 30 min in this group. Group II increased its PPT immediately (p  <  0.005) and afterwards (p < 0.05). Group I also changed its PPP immediately (p < 0.005). No changes in extensor muscle strength were observed.

Conclusions: The results demonstrate an immediate improvement in pain variables after the application of ice massage, MFR and MFR with ice in young adults with a latent MTrP.

Keywords:

• Myofascial release
• cryotherapy
• trigger point(s)
• pressure pain threshold
• manual therapy

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Oscar Achiardi T. and Gabriela Morales T. for their valuable collaboration.

Declaration of interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Ethical approval

This study was approved by the Ethical Committee of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso and conducted in agreement with the Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki.