The Effect of Soft Tissue Mobilization in Myofascial Neck Pain

A long term habitual posture with abnormal loading of ligaments and muscles, leads to development of neck pain. 33 patients including 18 males and 15 females were selected and randomly allocated into three groups using sealed opaque envelope containing treatment allocation. Group A (n=11) received conventional treatment such as MHP (Moist Heat Pack), Static Stretching exercises, Cervical spine non-thrust mobilization, Cervical spine active ROM (Range of Motion) exercises and Postural exercises. Group B (n=11) received DNF training with conventional treatment. Group C (n=11) received Muscle Energy Technique (MET) in additional to conventional treatment. Primary outcome measure functional disabilities and secondary measure pain and ROM were recorded at baseline, 7th day and 14th day.One-way ANOVA was used for within group analysis. Repeated measure ANOVA followed by post hoc analysis was employed for between group comparisons. The results suggest that there was a significant improvement in mean change scores of Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Range of Motion (ROM) .Both DNF training and MET have additional therapeutic effects over a standard care by reducing functional disabilities, pain and in improving ROM in mechanical neck pain patients.