Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique versus Positional Release Technique on Upper Trapezius Trigger Points in Subjects with Neck Pain – Comparative Study

Introduction:The neck is the most common site of nontraumatic musculoskeletal pain.Because the trapezius muscle works to move the neck in several directions, its degree of tightness or looseness affects neck flexibility.For people who work with more movements of the neck, or who spend many hours driving, the upper trapezius becomes very painful and sore.MET(Muscle Energy Technique) and PRT (Positional Release Technique) both are effective forms of treatment for upper trapezius trigger points.So this study compares these two techniques.Objective: This study compared the effect of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and Positional Release Technique (PRT) on upper trapezius trigger points in subjects with neck pain Methods: This study involved 30 (13 males and 17 females) individuals with neck pain (Duration less than 1 month) and trapezius trigger point.They were divided into two groups: Group A-PRT + Conventional treatment and Group B-MET + Conventional treatment.Treatment was given for 1 week.Pre and Post measurements were taken (VAS was used to measure pain and NDI was used to assess neck disability).Data were analysed using unpaired t-test and paired t-test.Results: In within-group analysis, the p value was less than 0.05 (p<0.05) for both groups so it suggests that both (PRT and MET) were effective to reduce pain and disability.No significant difference between the groups was noted.Conclusion: Both Positional Release Therapy and Muscle Energy Technique were significantly effective in reducing pain and neck disability in subjects with neck pain.But none technique is superior to the other.