The effect of positional release technique on upper trapezius myofascial trigger points: A case series

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the Positional Release Therapy (PRT) for treating Myofascial Trigger Points (MTrPs) in the upper trapezius muscle on outcomes of pain, Range of Motion (ROM) and disability. Methods: Twenty-one patients of mean age 29±12.48 years were screened for inclusion/exclusion criteria. The PRT was administered three times a week for 4 weeks. The verbal Numerical Pain Rating scale (NPRS), active cervical contralateral flexion (ACLF) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were recorded at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks. Descriptive statistics in the form of mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the data. Results and Conclusion:Increase in ROM and alleviated levels of pain and disability were noted in all participants post treatment. This case series suggests that a short-term manual therapy technique, such as the PRT would be beneficial in treating individuals with upper trapezius TrPs.

Comparing the effects of positional versus myofascial release of gluteus medius to manage patellofemoral pain syndrome: single blinded randomized clinical trial

“…25 The effectiveness of PRT for treating MTrPs has been wellestablished. 26 It also demonstrated superior effects when compared to other techniques, 27,28 whereas some studies have stated otherwise. 29,30 PRT also increases strength alone, 31 which gives us an insight as to why the PRT group showed a more significant increase in strength.…”