Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Versus Post - Isometric Relaxation Technique in Trapezius Myalgia.

A randomized clinical trial was carried out over ten months at Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital in Lahore. The study included 48 participants aged between 25 and 35 years, selected through non-probability convenience sampling; 44 completed the full treatment. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of 22 each using a lottery method. Group A underwent IASTM combined with passive and self-stretching exercises, while Group B received the PIR technique. Both interventions were administered three times weekly for six weeks. Outcomes were assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, a universal goniometer to measure cervical lateral flexion and rotation range of motion, and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) to evaluate functional limitations. Evaluations were performed before treatment and again at the end of the six-week intervention. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-25, involving the Shapiro-Wilk test to assess normality, independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests for intergroup comparisons, and paired t-tests along with Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests for intragroup analysis.

Inclusion criteria

• Individuals aged 25 to 35 experiencing trapezius myalgia,
• both men and women who report neck pain and stiffness,
• Limited range of motion in lateral neck bending and rotational movement.
• Presence of identifiable tender areas or trigger points within the trapezius muscle, Evidence of muscle tightness observed during mobility assessments, such as when performing lateral head tilt.
• A firm band of muscle tissue containing a hypersensitive point, often with a palpable nodule and potential for radiating discomfort.

Exclusion criteria

• Traumatic injury to the neck causing torticollis,
• Tumor affecting the upperportion of the trapezius muscle,
• Cervical nerverootirritation or damage, Break in one or more cervical vertebrae,
• Impairment of nervous system function,
• Swelling and hypersensitivity reactions in the skin,
• Abnormal spinal curvature and birth-related structural defects.