A Comparative Study on Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique Versus Myofascial Release on Neck Pain Among Post- Partum Lactating Women

In Postpartum women, the forward head posture due to breastfeeding leads to lengthening of the trapezius muscle for prolonged period which causes its weakness and low level activity of trapezius muscle so the most common cause of neck pain in postpartum women is inflamed trapezius muscle which in turn and causes tightness of trapezius muscles. A total of 40 subjects were selected wherein Group A (n=20) received muscle energy technique and Group B(n=20) received myofascial release technique for 6 times a week for 6 weeks. Pain, and functional disability were assessed using VAS and neck disability index. Mean post VAS on rest in MET group (2.75) was significantly lower than mean post VAS on rest in MFR group (4.60) (p=0.001). Mean post VAS on activity in MET group (3.85) was significantly lower than mean post VAS on activity in MFR group (5.95) Mean post NDI in MET group (4.50) was significantly lower mean post NDI in MFR group (7.30) (p<0.001). This shows that short term effects of MET is effective on pain and functional ability in postpartum subjects with trapezitis than effect of MFR on pain and functional ability in postpartum subjects with trapezitis. Hence Muscle energy technique is more effective than the myofascial release technique with in postpartum women with trapezitis on pain and functional disability.