Evaluation of the Combination of Muscle Energy Technique and Trigger Point Therapy in Asymptomatic Individuals with a Latent Trigger Point

Abstract

(1) Background: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the combination therapy of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Trigger Point Therapy (TPT) on the angular values of the range of movements of the cervical spine and on the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the trapezius muscle in asymptomatic individuals. METHODS: The study involved 60 right-handed, asymptomatic students with a latent trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle. All qualified volunteers practiced amateur symmetrical sports. The study used a tensometric electrogoniometer (cervical spine movement values) and an algometer (pressure pain threshold (PPT) of upper trapezius). Randomly (sampling frame), volunteers were assigned to three different research groups (MET + TPT, MET and TPT). All participants received only one therapeutic intervention. Measurements were taken in three time-intervals (pre, post and follow-up the next day after therapy). (2) Results: One-time combined therapy (MET + TPT) significantly increases the range of motion occurring in all planes of the cervical spine. One-time treatments of single MET and single TPT therapy selectively affect the mobility of the cervical spine. The value of the PPT significantly increased immediately after all therapies, but only on the right trapezius muscle, while on the left side only after the therapy combining MET with TPT. (3) Conclusion: The MET + TPT method proved to be the most effective, as it caused changes in all examined goniometric and subjective parameters.

Comparison of the effect of a 5-week series of positional release therapy and muscle energy technique on pain threshold and mobility of the cervical spine in people with the upper crossed syndrome

“…Concerning the improvement in the ROM, our observations indicate that PR techniques induce favorable changes in the sagittal-transverse plane, while MET affects the frontal and transverse planes. These observations align with the results of Wendt and Waszak [13], suggesting that the isolated application of MET and trigger point therapy techniques influences the improvement of ROM in specific planes. The combination of both techniques yields optimal effects in enhancing this parameter.…”

Effect of Muscle Energy Technique versus Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points

“…Participants were excluded from the study if they had shoulder instability, history of cancer, shoulder or neck fractures, systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Reiter's syndrome, or diabetes, neurological diseases, or severe medical or psychiatric disorders (21).…”

Exploring the latest advancements in physical therapy techniques for treating cervical spondylosis patients: A narrative review

“…Common techniques used in MET include centrifugal contraction, reciprocal inhibition, contraction–relaxation, contraction–relaxation–contraction, and others. MET not only improves muscle strength and elasticity but also enhances core stability and motor control [ 45 ]. During MET, patients follow the therapist’s instructions and engage in antagonist exercises with the therapist to relax spasmodic muscles, strengthen weakened muscles, adjust the tension balance, and reduce pain [ 46 ].…”