Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Basic Science

Background: Latent myofascial trigger points (L-MTrPs) within the upper trapezius muscle are closely associated with limitation of the cervical range of motion especially at the end of range of motion. Over time, it affects the functional ability & can be converted to active myofascial trigger points (A-MTrPs). Progressive pressure release and dry needling are two effective techniques used in the treatment of MTrPs. Objective: to compare between the effect of both progressive pressure release and dry needling on cervical L-MTrPs. Subjects and methods: Thirty subjects with L-MTrPs were assigned into two equal groups; (A) received passive stretching exercise and progressive pressure release while group (B) received passive stretching exercise and dry needling. Measurement outcome included pressure pain threshold (PPT) which measured by digital electronic pressure algometer and active cervical side bending and rotation was measured by single inclinometer that were taken at the beginning of the treatment period as pre- test measurement and at the end of the treatment period (4weeks) as post-test measurement. Results: The outcome measurements of pain showed a significant decrease (P= 0.001) in pain measurements after progressive pressure release (M=10.48±1.2) than pain measurements after dry needling (M=7.48±0.93), there were a significant increase (P=0.006) in measurements of cervical side bending after progressive pressure release (M=43.87±3.98) than measurements after dry needling (M=40.33±2.32) and there were a significant increase (P=0.027) in measurements of cervical rotation after progressive pressure release (M=83.93 ± 4.59) than measurements after dry needling (M=79.67 ± 5.41). Conclusion: it was proved within the limit of the study that progressive pressure release was more effective than dry needling on management of latent cervical myofascial trigger point

Issued also as CD