Comparative effects of Bowen therapy and tennis ball technique on pain and functional disability in patients with thoracic myofascial pain syndrome

Abstract

Background Thoracic myofascial pain syndrome is a clinical problem arising from the muscles and soft tissues of thoracic region, which include the mid and upper back area. Risk factors associated with myofascial pain syndrome are muscle overuse and repetitive strain, poor posture, trauma or injury, emotional and psychological stresses. The management of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) typically involves a multidimensional approach that focuses on relieving pain, reducing muscle tension, and improving muscle function. Bowen therapy and tennis ball technique are also recommended for treating myofascial pain syndrome. Objective The objective of this study was to compare the effects of Bowen therapy and tennis ball technique on pain and functional disability in patients with thoracic myofascial pain syndrome. Methods It was a randomized clinical trial conducted on thirty patients. It was carried out in physiotherapy outpatient department of D.H.Q Hospital, Kasur. Non-probability convenience sampling technique was used. Data collection was done from the patients of thoracic myofascial pain syndrome by using Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain and Pain Disability Questionnaire (PDQ) for functional disability. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups using computer generated random number method. Group A received Bowen therapy, and group B received tennis ball technique. Outcome measures were measured at baseline, after second week treatment session and after fourth week with three sessions in a week on alternate days. Data analysis was done by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results There was significant difference between the mean values of NPRS and PDQ in both groups at baseline, second week and fourth week with p value < 0.05. The results indicated that both treatments were significant but Bowen therapy is more effective treatment than tennis ball technique. Within-group difference calculated with repeated-measure ANOVA indicated that there was significant difference from pre- to post-values of both groups. Conclusion This study concluded that Bowen therapy produced statistically significant and clinically relavant results for all the outcome measures. Trial registration. (IRCT20190717044238N7).

Immediate Effects of Muscle Tension and Pain to Myofascial Release and Duoball Assisted Self-Relaxation Techniques in Patients Experiencing Chronic Cervical Pain

“…Rodríguez-Huguet M et al [8] appeared that after applying MFR for 2 weeks, pain in the suboccipital and trapezius muscles improved by about 60%, and the effect was maintained even at 1-month follow-up, and Cabrera-Martos I et al [25] applied it to about 20 people for 4 weeks, and the pain in the suboccipital and levator scapulae muscles improved by about 30%. Amjad F and Khalid A [26] applied release techniques using tennis balls three times a week for 4 weeks to 30 patients with thoracic myofascial pain syndrome, and the pain improved by about 60%. The pain results showed similar results to previous studies, and it is believed that applying MFR using MFR and Duoball to patients with chronic neck pain positively improves pain in the short and long term.…”

The Efficacy of Manual Therapy and Ultrasound in Treatment of Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder

“…Exercise therapy and manual therapy are two physiotherapy interventions that are commonly used in the treatment of calcifying tendinitis of the shoulder, not alone, but in combination with ultrasound or other non-invasive techniques (16).In our study, two manual therapies were applied in addition to ultrasound, widely used in practice, but whose application has been poorly researched and thus confirmed in science. Recently published papers report the effectiveness of Bowen therapy in reducing pain and increasing mobility in myofascial syndromes and chronic pain(22)(23)(24). A pilot study published in 2001 also reported the beneficial effect of Bowen therapy in reducing pain, and increasing functionality and activities of daily living in individuals with frozen shoulders(25).…”