Acupressure versus Ischemic Compression of Myofascial Trigger points in Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract 

Background: Acupressure and ischemic compression were used for pain treatment of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). However, there were no previous studies determining what method is more effective in management of myofascial trigger points in neck pain. 

Objective: to compare the clinical efficiency of cervical acupressure versus ischemic compression of MTrPs in chronic neck pain. 

Methodology: A single-blind randomized controlled trial on forty-five patients that have been allocated randomly in three groups: The acupressure group (ACG), the ischemic compression group (ICG), and the control group (CG). Acupressure has been applied to the AG patients at the SI 14, SI 15, and GB 21 local acupuncture points, where the ICG has received ischemic compression on MTrPs of the bilateral upper fibers of trapezius. CG has received only traditional physical therapy in the form of the hot pack and muscle energy techniques. Neck pain was assessed by the VAS scale, pressure pain threshold (PPT) was evaluated through an algometer, neck range of motion (NROM) was assessed by Myrin OB goniometer, and function was assessed by neck disability index (NDI). Measurements were taken before and after four weeks of treatment. 

Results: The results exhibited a statistically substantial enhancement in VAS, PPT, NROM, and NDI in all groups post-treatment (p < 0.05). Despite the lack of significant differences between IC and acupressure, the IC of MTrPs yielded better improvement and the control group revealed the least improvement (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Ischemic compression has been proven to be more effective in handling cervical myofascial pain than acupressure. It is considered a direct manipulative technique for myofascial pain.