Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Versus High Power Pain Threshold Ultrasound For Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points

Myofascial trigger points (MTPs) are hyperirritable, palpable nodules that form along with taut bands of muscle fibers. The trapezius is the muscle that is most commonly affected. MTPs can have a considerable impact on a person's daily activities and ability to work. Stretching exercises, ultrasound, massage, kinesiology taping, trigger point release, dry needling, laser, ischemic compression treatment, and high-power pain threshold ultrasound can all be used in a physical therapy program for myofascial pain and trigger points. There were previous studies on the effect of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) on upper trapezius myofascial trigger points that have shown positive effects such as reduction in pain level, improved neck function, and range of motion, increased activity level, and increased pressure pain threshold. There have been previous studies on the effect of high-power pain threshold ultrasound on upper trapezius trigger points that have shown a reduction in pain level, increased activity level, and increased pressure pain threshold. However till now, there is no study comparing the therapeutic potential of HPPT US and IASTM on upper trapezius trigger points, This study is conducted to compare the effect of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and high-power pain threshold ultrasound ( HPPT US ) on upper trapezius trigger points. : Sixty participants ranging in age from 25 to 40 years old, from both genders, were diagnosed with active MTPs in the upper fibers of the trapezius muscle bilaterally. Participants were randomly allocated to the following three groups using sealed envelopes. Group (A) 20 participants received conventional physical therapy. Group (B) 20 participants received IASTM and conventional physical therapy. Group (C) 20 participants received HPPT US and conventional physical therapy for two weeks, twice per week.

Inclusion criteria

Having at least 1 active trigger point in bilateral upper trapezius muscles We will use a recommended diagnostic criterion to find active MTrPs which is:

The presence of a palpable taut band in the skeletal muscle, The presence of a hypersensitive spot in the taut band, Local twitch response provoked by snapping palpation Production of referred pain pattern in response to the compression of tender spots Spontaneous presence of typically referred pain pattern.

• A duration of symptoms of 2-4 weeks.
• Age between 25 and 40 years.
• Having a normal neurological examination result.
• Not having any evidence of infection or inflammation in laboratory tests.

Exclusion criteria

- Existence of cervical disc hernia, advanced cervical osteoarthritis, radiculopathy, or myelopathy.

• Having trigger point injection or physical therapy in the last 6 months.
• Having a rheumatologic disease, such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and spondyloarthritis, or hormonal diseases, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or hyperparathyroidism.
• Existence of kyphosis, scoliosis, forward head posture, or cervical-genic headache.
• History of spine surgery.
• Having a cardiovascular problem