Effectiveness of mobilization therapy for treating cervical myofascial pain syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the initial effectiveness of cervical mobilization for treating cervicalMyofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS).Methods: A total of 46 subjects diagnosed with MPS were randomly allocated in two treatment groups. Hot pack, massageand a home exercise program were applied to both groups. Mobilization techniques were additionally applied to thesemodalities in the second group. All subjects were assessed before and after treatment for pain intensity, number andtenderness of trigger points, range of motion and disability.Results: The groups were not different from each other at baseline (p>0.05). When compared with pre-treatment values, asignificant decrease in pain complaints, increase in range of motion and reduce in disability was found in both groups aftertreatment (p<0.05). It was also found that the number and tenderness of trigger points were decreased in both groups.Conclusion: The results of this study shows that combined physiotherapy applications including hot pack, massage and ahome exercise program decrease the pain, number and tenderness of trigger point, and improve the range of motion and thedisability caused by chronic neck pain in patients with cervical MPS. Adding cervical spine mobilization to this treatmentprotocol did not change patients’ outcomes.