Noninvasive Treatment of Upper Trapezius Active Trigger Points in College Students With Neck Pain

Noninvasive Treatment of Upper Trapezius Active Trigger Points in College Students With Neck Pain. A Randomized Clinical Trial

Hyperexcitable myofascial trigger points located within a taut band of skeletal muscle or fascia cause referred pain, local tenderness, and autonomic changes. The scientific data refer to an immediate improvement in the symptoms of these active points treated with manual therapy. Based on these factors, the objective of the study is to determine the effect of the combined therapy of the Jones, Chaitow, Lewit technique and pain-free positioning in participants with the presence of an active upper trapezius trigger point.

The treatment will last a total of 15 minutes accompanied by a baseline assessment and after 10 minutes of the intervention in 3 experimental groups and a placebo group, of no-pain positioning. In addition to basic indices and scales of cervical pain and functionality, it is intended to measure flexibility, range of motion, proprioception and cognition through software with sensors of the latest technology when it comes to representing reliable results in differences between techniques.

Inclusion Criteria:

• persistent neck pain or headache for more than 3 days
• presence of active trigger point in upper trapezius

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants who present dizziness, vertigo and/or symptoms aggravated by the movement and/or positioning of the neck;
• who present infection or febrile state at the time of performing the test;
• with anxiety and/or extreme emotional tension;
• who are undergoing pharmacological treatment (analgesics, muscle relaxants, anxiolytics, antidepressants)