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

Background: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) of the trapezius is one of the main causes of neck pain. It is characterized by deep, intense pain of the muscle and its fascia and by the presence of one or more myofascial trigger points(MTrP). High intensity laser therapy (HILT) is superior to the traditional physical therapy modalities in its ability to reach and stimulate deeper and larger joints. Aim of the study: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of HILT on pressure pain threshold, pain intensity, neck functional activities and cervical range of motion in patients with cervical MTrP in the upper trapezius muscle.Subject and methods:The study was designed as a randomized control trial (pre-test post-test experimental design study), 50 patients (32 female and 18 male) having MTrP in the upper trapezius muscle with age from 20 to 40 years old with body mass index less than 25 kg/m² were assigned into 2 groups and received treatment program as follows: group A received traditional treatment only(transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasound massage (US), stretching and ischemic compression(IC)) while group B received HILT+ traditional treatment. The outcome measures included pressure pain threshold (PPT) by pressure algometer, pain intensity by visual analogue scale(VAS), neck functional activities by neck disability index (NDI) and cervical range of motion measured by CROM device. Results: both groups showed difference in the outcome measures in the post treatment assessment, but the HILT group (group A) showed a significant improvement over the control group (group B) at p-value >0.001Conclusion:HILT is an effective physical therapy modality that may provide better outcomes for a patient with cervical MTrP

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