Effect of Positional Release Technique versus Muscle Energy Technique on Pressure Pain Threshold and Muscle Activity among Young Adults with Upper Trapezius Myalgia

Author: Balu S., Murali Sankar KSI and Mohanraj K.

Journal Name:

Download PDF

Abstract

Mechanical neck pain is a prevalent condition, affecting around 45–54% of the general population, particularly after maintaining prolonged sitting postures, and may sometimes lead to Upper Trapezius Myalgia. Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is commonly used to reduce muscle tension before stretching by introducing an isometric contraction to the affected muscle, promoting post-isometric relaxation. Similarly, Positional Release Therapy (PRT) is a manual therapy aimed at restoring muscles to their normal resting tone. This study was designed to compare the effects of MET and PRT on pain and functional outcomes in patients with Upper Trapezius Myalgia. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee prior to commencement. Patients presenting with neck pain were screened, and 30 subjects aged between 20 and 50 years, both male and female, meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups: Group A received MET and Group B received PRT. Pain intensity and functional disability were assessed before and after treatment using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI). The results indicated that both groups showed significant improvements in pain relief and neck mobility, with a p-value of 0.000, demonstrating statistical significance. However, the study concluded that Muscle Energy Technique (MET) was clinically more effective than Positional Release Therapy (PRT) in improving pain and function in individuals with Upper Trapezius Myalgia associated with non-specific neck pain.

Keywords

MET, PRT, Upper Trapezius Myalgia, Pressure Pain, NPRS

Conclusion

This study compared the effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Positional Release Technique (PRT) for treating Upper Trapezius Myalgia. Both techniques led to significant improvements in pain reduction and neck function. However, MET proved to be more clinically effective than PRT, showing greater reductions in pain and better functional outcomes. MET’s superiority may be due to its mechanism of post-isometric relaxation and improved blood flow. While PRT also offered relief, it was less effective compared to MET in this study. The findings suggest that MET is a preferable treatment for Upper Trapezius Myalgia, although further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are recommended to confirm these results

References

-

How to cite this article

Balu S., Murali Sankar KSI and Mohanraj K. (2023). Effect of Positional Release Technique versus Muscle Energy Technique on Pressure Pain Threshold and Muscle Activity among Young Adults with Upper Trapezius Myalgia. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(4): 1048-1051