Short and Medium-term Effects of Manual Therapy on Latent Myofascial Pain

Short and Medium-term Effects of Manual Therapy on Latent Myofascial Pain : a Comparative Study

The purpose of this study was to investigate the short and medium-term effects of three manual techniques on cervical range of motion and pressure pain sensitivity in subjects with mechanical stress, presenting latent trigger point of upper trapezius muscle.

Myofascial pain syndrome is a common non-articular musculoskeletal chronic pain which has not been yet fully understood. It is characterized by myofascial trigger point. This trigger point is clinically classified as active or latent. Some studies have demonstrated the potential relevance of latent trigger point. In fact, its presence may cause muscle activation pattern alterations, increase nociceptive sensitivity and cause sympathetic activity alterations. Nevertheless, the vast majority of individuals, even asymptomatic, have latent trigger point. High prevalence of myofascial trigger points subsists at cervical and scapular regions.

There is few data regarding myofascial trigger point physiopathology. Furthermore, a diversity of therapeutic interventions consisting of trigger point inactivation and interruption of the vicious cycle is suggested in literature. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these different interventions in trigger points and the duration of the effects are not yet fully clarified.

Inclusion Criteria:

• volunteers with 18 or more years of age
• with a palpable latent trigger point in the fibbers of the upper trapezius muscle
• with an average time of computer work of at least 2h/day.

Exclusion Criteria:

• with a body mass index (BMI) equal or higher than 31 kg/cm2
• with bilateral latent triggers in the fibers of the upper trapezius muscle
• have done any pharmacological therapeutic during any of the 7 days before the study or anti-coagulant therapeutics
• have done any treatment at cervical region during the month before the study
• having cardio-respiratory, neurological, neuro-musculoskeletal, oncologic or systemic pathologies
• having cognitive deficits or psychologic/psychiatric disturbances
• be pregnant
• having a clinical history of cervical, high dorsal, shoulder or cranial surgery or trauma during the prior 12 months.