A Comparative Study of Active Release Technique and Myofascial Release Technique in Treatment of Patients with Pain due to Upper Trapezius Spasm

Introduction: Trapezius muscle pain and spasm is most common musculoskeletal disorder occurring in individuals who works with an awkward position of neck for a prolonged period of time, with repetitive movements. Active Release Therapy (ART) and Myofascial Release (MFR) are soft tissue manipulation techniques practiced by physiotherapists for reducing muscle spasm and pain. Aim: To compare the effect of ART and MFR on the upper trapezius muscle spasm on pain and cervical range of motion. Materials and Methods: The study was done on 60 patients of both genders between the age group of 20 to 55 years with upper trapezius spasm. They were divided into two groups by computerised randomisation. Each group received treatment in the form of either ART or MFR for seven days. Cervical Range of motion (ROM), Neck Disability Index scale (NDI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used as outcome measures. Results: Paired Sample t-test was used to compare the outcome differences within each group, while Independent t-test was used to compare the differences between the two groups for the same outcome measures. Improvement was found in both the groups on seventh day following intervention, but the group which received ART showed significant improvements in neck ROM (p<0.001), NDI (p<0.0001) and in VAS (p<0.0001) as compared to group which received MFR. Conclusion:Although both techniques are effective in alleviation of symptoms and associated disability in upper trapezius muscle spasm, ART gave better results as compared to MFR.