Immediate neuromuscular and functional responses to fascial distortion model and strain–counterstrain in individuals with latent upper trapezius myofascial trigger points: a randomized pilot study

Objectives To compare the immediate effects of the Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) and Strain – Counterstrain (SCS) on pain sensitivity and neuromuscular function in individuals with latent upper trapezius myofascial trigger points (latent MTrPs).Methods This pilot randomized parallel-group pre – post study included 20 healthy adults with latent upper trapezius MTrPs who were allocated to FDM or SCS. Outcomes included cervical range of motion, joint position error, pressure pain threshold, and isometric cervical muscle strength.Results All participants completed the study, with no adverse events reported. Significant increases in pressure pain threshold were observed in both groups (FDM: Δ = 8.7 N, 95% CI, 2.23 to 15.20, p = .01; SCS: Δ = 4.8 N, 95% CI, 1.57 to 7.98, p = .01). Significant changes were observed in selected isometric cervical muscle strength and cervical range of motion measures, whereas no significant changes were found in joint position error. No significant between-group differences were identified across all outcomes.Conclusion Both FDM and SCS were feasible, and no adverse events were observed in healthy adults with latent upper trapezius MTrPs. Although significant changes were observed in selected outcome measures, no conclusions regarding clinical efficacy, superiority, or equivalence can be drawn from this pilot study. Larger, adequately powered randomized controlled trials are warranted.