Bowen and Graston Technique in Patients of Tension Neck Syndrome

Tension neck syndrome (TNS) is defined as a myofascial pain localized in the neck and shoulder regions. The symptoms include; pain, tenderness, fatigue and stiffness in the neck and shoulder musculature, headaches radiating from the neck, without a history of injury herniated cervical disk, or degenerative processes. It is characterized pain over the neck region and muscle tenderness elicited on palpation and or neck movement. TNS patients with pain have the reduced sensitivity of the neck proprioception. TN may be work- and individual-related and sociopsychological factors may have effect.

Bowen Therapy, is a dynamic fascial and muscle release approach, consisting of gentle cross-fiber movements applied to the fascia, muscles, tendons, muscle insertions, muscle septa, ligaments and viscera.

Grastοn technique is an instrument assisted soft tissue treatment method (ІASTM) derived from the Cyriax1 cross-friction massage. Physіοtherapist strikes stainless steel instrument in a longitudinal dіrectіοn and in circular patterns at the treatment site

Inclusion criteria

• Age group 20-45
• Both males and females
• Patients diagnosed with VDTS induced Tension neck syndrome in Upper trapezius, SCM & Levator scapulae muscles.
• Specific criteria will be applied to make diagnosis of Visual display terminal syndrome:

syndrome, requiring 3 or more symptoms from the following: Patients from Tension neck syndrome such as neck pain, stiffness & tenderness, fatigue or feeling of tiredness, possible headache, pain during movement etc. within past 7 days Musculoskeletal discomfort (pain, tenderness & stiffness)in shoulder, elbow, lower back & wrist/hand regions Ocular symptoms i.e. eye strain or eye dryness from past 7 days

• Desktop, laptop and excessive smartphone users for more than 2 hours per day at eye level with extreme neck position and static work posture for at least 5 days per week

Exclusion criteria

• Cervical radiculopathy
• Uncontrolled systemic disease
• Neck pain due to diabetes, trauma, fracture, infectious or inflammatory process
• Previous neck or shoulder surgery
• Patients who are using any medication to reduce the neck pain & discomfort
• Malignancy