Publication Cover
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice
An International Journal of Physical Therapy
Volume 38, 2022 - Issue 9
870
Views
1
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Research Report

Effects of an active intervention based on myofascial release and neurodynamics in patients with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial

, PhD, PT, , MSc, PT, , MSc, PT, , MSc, PTORCID Icon, , MSc, NP & , PhD, PT
Pages 1145-1152 | Received 03 Dec 2019, Accepted 08 Aug 2020, Published online: 15 Sep 2020
 

ABSTRACT

Background

While neck pain can be severely disabling and costly, treatment options have shown moderate evidence of effectiveness.

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore the effects of a 4-week active program based on myofascial release and neurodynamics on trigger point (TrP) examination, pain, and functionality in patients with chronic neck pain.

Methods

Randomized controlled trial. A total of 40 patients with chronic neck pain were randomly allocated to an experimental or a control group (n = 20). The primary outcome measure was TrP examination. Secondary outcomes were pain, assessed with the Brief Pain Inventory and a visual analogue scale, and functionality, evaluated with the Neck Outcome Score.

Results

A between-group analysis showed significant differences (p < .05) in the percentage of active TrPs in the following muscles: suboccipital (50 vs. 92.4% in the right muscle and 37.5 vs. 89.6% in the left muscle), left scalene and levator scapulae. Significant differences (p < .05) were also found in pain severity, average pain, and functionality (i.e. symptoms, sleep, and participation).

Conclusions

A 4-week self-administered program for patients with chronic neck pain was effective in reducing the presence of active TrPs. Pain severity, average pain, and some aspects of functionality also improved significantly after the intervention.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.