Comparative Effects of Dry Needling and Ischemic Compression Technique on Scalene Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Comparative Effects of Dry Needling and Ischemic Compression Technique on Pain, Disability and Range of Motion With Scalene Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a medical term used to describe chronic regional pain syndrome that presents with hyperirritable spots called trigger points (TPs) and/or tender spots (TSs) that arise from taut bands (TB) in the skeletal muscle. Scalene myofascial pain syndrome is a regional pain syndrome wherein pain originates over the neck area and radiates down to the arm. Functionally, MPS causes the muscle to become weak and stiff, leading to reductions in range of movement. Thus, MPS is known as a major cause of morbidity, with a significant impact on daily activity, function and quality of life. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of dry needling versus ischemic compression technique on trigger points of scalene in neck pain, related disability and neck active range of motion among patients with scalene myofascial pain syndrome.

A Randomized clinical trial will be conducted at DHQ Gujranwala and Sikandar medical complex Gujranwala through convenience sampling technique on 24 patients. Patients with scalene myofascial pain syndrome between age from 18 years to 45 with positive Scalene Cramp Test will be included in study. Patients will be accessed for neck pain, disability and active range of motion. They will be allocated through simple random sampling through sealed opaque envelopes into group A and group B. Patients in dry needling (DN) group will receive a single session of DN with sterile needles insert on trigger points in scalene muscles as first twitch response will obtained needles will be manipulated in and out of the muscles to get 2 or 3 more local responses. Patients in Group B will receive a single session of ischemic compression technique for this ischemic compression technique sustained pressure on the trigger points will be maintained for 30 seconds. Control treatment will be same for both groups. Pre and post treatment values will be identified after one month follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with scalene myofascial pain syndrome
• Age from 18 years to 45
• Patients with positive Scalene Cramp Test

Exclusion Criteria:

• Whiplash injury
• Thoracic dysfunction any cervical radiculopathy
• Age below 18 and more than 45 years
• Any psychiatry disorder or
• Any contraindication to Dry Needling