Comparison of Ischemic Release and Sustained Pressure Direct Myofascial Release in Upper Trapezius Trigger Point

Eligible participants will be recruited through purposive sampling. Upper trapezius trigger points will be assessed by manual palpation to identify a taut band and hypersensitive nodule, followed by pressure to determine reproduction of the participant's familiar pain. Baseline assessments will include pain pressure threshold, cervical range of motion, and scapular upward rotation. After baseline assessment, 42 participants will be allocated randomly into respective groups, each having 21 participants.

Inclusion criteria

• AGE; 18-35 years
• Male & Female
• Unilateral Trapezius muscle involvement
• Presence of at least one active trigger point in upper trapezius muscle.
• Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score of 3-8 points
• Subacute Neck pain for 4-12 weeks
• Point tenderness on palpable taut band
• Reproducible provocation according to referred pain pattern mapping
• Cervical range of motion change in SB ≥ 2° and ROT ≥ 2° than normal SB=45° AND ROT=70°
• Willing to participate and provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Serious pathology (e.g. neoplasm, fracture)
• Radiculopathy
• History of whiplash injury within past 6 months
• Neurological deficit
• Taking steroids or on concurrent physiotherapy treatment
• Prior surgery to cervical spine & shoulder