Academic literature on the topic 'Trapezius extensibility'

BACKGROUND: Neck pain is the most common problem in adults and a common musculoskeletal problem in people with sedentary jobs. In chronic neck pain, the upper trapezius muscle is the most common muscle to be shortened, with a typical complaint of reduction in the lateral range of motion. Passive tension of the upper trapezius must be reduced to decrease the load on the cervical spine, improve neck motion and reduce painful neck movements. One recommended way to reduce this tension is by stretching to relieve neck pain, reducing the pressure pain threshold of the upper trapezius and increasing neck mobility. There are various studies comparing the effectiveness of static and dynamic stretching on muscle extensibility but none for trapezius muscle. The aim is to study the effect of static stretching versus dynamic stretching on trapezius muscle extensibility in patients with chronic neck pain. METHODS: 30 Patients with moderate to severe neck pain for a duration of 3 months or more were included in the study. They were informed about the study and written consent was obtained. They were divided into two groups: Group A –Static stretching (SS) and Group B – Dynamic stretching (DS). Duration of treatment was for 6 days (6sessions). Outcome measures at the start on the first day (pre) and after 6 days (post) treatment were documented. RESULTS: Both Group A and Group B showed statistically significant results in post-treatment. CONCLUSION: Static stretching and dynamic stretching were found to be equally effective in the pain relief and im-provement in range of motion in chronic neck pain patients.

BackgroundIndividuals with chronic neck pain, proprioceptive afferent information from the cervical spine may be impaired due to the presence of pain. Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) is used to reduce pain and improve range of motion (ROM) and function.Cervical sensorimotor control includes the central integration and processing of all afferent information and the execution of the motor program through the cervical muscles and contributes to the maintenance of head posture and balance(1). In individuals with chronic neck pain, proprioceptive afferent information from the cervical spine may be impaired due to the presence of this pain(2). Many treatment modalities such as instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) have been used to reduce pain and increase proprioception(3).IASTM is used to reduce pain, increase soft-tissue mobility, and improve range of motion (ROM) and function. These instruments cause microtrauma to restore normal elasticity and function in soft-tissue(4). Kivlan has shown that significant and rapid changes in muscle function can occur with only a single IASTM application and have suggested the following mechanisms of action: an increased fascial motility, a proliferation of extracellular matrix fibroblasts, and an increased blood flow to the area close to the injured tissue, with decreased cellular matrix adhesion and localized ischemia(5).ObjectivesAim of this study, to determine the acute effects of single-session, IASTM on cervical joint position error (JPE) and pain in individuals with chronic neck pain.MethodsA total of 39 individuals (mean age=40.18±11.10 years) with chronic neck pain were included in this study. We divided the participants into IASTM, sham, and control groups of 13 members each. In the IASTM group, intervention was applied to the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles with an application time of 45 seconds and a frequency of 60 beats/min. In the sham group, IASTM was applied at a 90° angle without pressure. The control group received no intervention. The pain severity and joint position error were evaluated before and after the intervention, by using the visual analog scale (VAS) and a cervical range of motion device.ResultsThe effects of time and treatment group on VAS score were statistically significant. The effect of time and treatment for VAS score was statistically significant (p=0.001). When the post-test was examined according to application, a statistically significant difference found in VAS scores (p=0.001), with the lowest pain score in the IASTM group and the highest pain score in the control group. The significant improvements found in JPE in all aspects of the cervical region in the IASTM group (p<0.05). In the sham group, significant improvements observed in cervical extension, left rotation, and left lateral flexion movements in JPE (p<0.05).ConclusionSingle-session IASTM is effective for improving the acute pain and JPE in individuals with chronic neck pain.References[1]Michiels S, De Hertogh W, Truijen S, November D, Wuyts F, Van de Heyning P. The assessment of cervical sensory motor control: A systematic review focusing on measuring methods and their clinimetric characteristics. Gait Posture. 2013;38(1):1–7.[2]Uremović M, Cvijetić S, Pasić MB, Serić V, Vidrih B, Demarin V. Impairment of proprioception after whiplash injury. Coll Antropol. 2007;31(3):823–7.[3]Damgaard P, Bartels EM, Ris I, Christensen R, Juul-Kristensen B. Evidence of Physiotherapy Interventions for Patients with Chronic Neck Pain: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials. ISRN Pain. 2013;1–23.[4.]Baker RT, Nasypany A, Seegmiller JG, Baker JG. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Treatment for Tissue Extensibility Dysfunction. Int J Athl Ther Train. 2013;18(5):16–21.[5]Kivlan BR, Carcia CR, Clemente FR, Phelps AL, Martin RL. The effect of Astym Therapy on muscle strength: a blinded, randomized, clinically controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2015;16(1):325.Disclosure of InterestsNone declared