Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Versus Dry Cupping On Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Versus Dry Cupping On Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain

Which is more effective Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization or Dry cupping on pain intensity, cervical range of motion and functional status in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain?

Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal pathology treated by physical therapists around the world. Neck pain is one of the highest complaints in terms of years lived with a disability, increasing the prelevancy of proper management by physical therapists. The overall prevalence of neck pain ranges from 10% to 20%, and the incidence of new neck pain ranging from 10% to 50%. Dry cupping involves the use of glass, plastic or bamboo cups that are placed over localized areas of skin. A vacuum suction is achieved with heat from a flame, a manual handheld pump or electrical pumping devices to create a negative pressure, drawing localized skin and soft tissue structures into the cup . Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a new technique, which has been known to be effective in reducing muscle tightness in athletes . IASTM is a new tool, which allows clinicians to efficiently locate and treat individuals diagnosed with soft tissue dysfunction .

The use of the instrument is thought to provide a mechanical advantage for the clinician by allowing deeper penetration and more specific treatment, while also reducing imposed stress on the hands

Inclusion Criteria:

• 45 patients with chronic mechanical neck pain in the past 3 months.
• Age range from 18 to 35 years old.
• Patients will be from both sexes.
• Body mass index from 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2.
• Subjects suffer from chronic mechanical neck pain.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Serious injury.
• Tumor.
• Infection.
• Spinal fractures.
• Recent cervical surgery.
• Cervical radiculopathy.
• Skin disease, allergy, hypersensitivity, any malignant or benign tumors.
• Unhealed scars or wounds.
• Pregnancy.
• Known psychiatric condition under treatment or medication.
• Any orthopedic and Neurological condition as cervical PIVD, spondylolisthesis.