Comparative Effects of Bowen Therapy and Myofascial Release Technique on Upper Trapezius Tightness in Patients With Non-specific Neck Pain

Non-specific neck pain is linked with postural or mechanical factors like improper posture and work related activities with no neurological sign or traumatic condition. Upper trapezius (postural muscle) basically involved in neck pain. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of bowen therapy and myofascial release technique on upper trapezius tightness in patients with non-specific neck pain.One technique for mobilizing soft tissues is myofascial release. It uses manual traction and prolonged muscle and fascia stretching to break down adhesions which lessens pain and improve flexibility.Thus it is recommended that this method act as a catalyst to address trapezius problems One technique for mobilizing soft tissues is myofascial release. It uses manual traction and prolonged muscle and fascia stretching to break down adhesions which lessens pain and improve flexibility .Bowen therapy is a form of manual therapy that involves manipulating soft tissues. This technique involves precise sequences of gentle cross-fibrer movements across muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia with few grams of force which enhance circulation of blood, reduces pain and relieve psychological stress. Having no side effects due to it's gentle characteristics .A randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Out Patient Department (OPD) of Madinah Teaching Hospital Faisalabad, Aziz Fatimah Hospital, Faisalabad and In motion physiotherapy rehab clinic, Faisalabad. 20-35 years aged participants both male and female with non-specific neck pain along with trapezius tightness was included. Participants with neurological symptoms was excluded. Written and verbal consent was obtained from participants before including into study. Participants was divided into 2 groups using random number generator method. Bowen therapy was given to group A (n=16) while myofascial release technique was given to group B (n=16).Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Universal goniometer and Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used to quantify pain, cervical range of motion and functional disability respectively. IBM SPSS version 20 was used for statistically analysis of data.

Inclusion criteria

• Patient aged between 20-35 years was included. Patients of both sexes(male-female) included . Patients with non-specific neck pain along with upper trapezius tightness which will be screened by upper trapezius length test.

Patients with duration of neck pain from last one month included . According to Numeric Pain Rating Scale, those patients included whose pain intensity lie between moderate-severe range.

Patients was be willing to give consent to participate.

Exclusion criteria

• Diagnosed case of disc prolapse. Diagnosed spondylolisthesis case. Neck pain radiating into arms, upper extremity or any neurological impairment. Any diagnosed psychiatric condition. Any infection, wound or injury on neck or shoulder region. Any skin allergy or disease . History of recent trauma or surgery in neck/upper back area