Abstract :
Background: Myofascial release has beneficial effects on trigger points. Many studies have been done on
myofascial release but a comparative study with cryo-stretching is lacking.
Aims and Objectives: To find the effectiveness of cryo-stretching on trigger points and compare between
myofascial release and cryo-stretching.
Materials and Methods: 54 participants were included in the study and were allocated into two groups:
Myofascial release (deep transverse friction, cross-hand technique) and cryo-stretching (static stretch,
isometric contraction). Pre and post-assessments were taken for pain using VAS, pressure threshold by
digital algometer and cervical lateral flexion using a universal goniometer.
Results: Analysis was done using unpaired t-test and Mann Whitney U test for comparison of ROM and
pressure threshold and pain respectively between the two groups. Differences between the two groups
were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon’s test for within-group study showed
significant improvement for VAS PPT, and ROM in both groups.
Conclusion: The study found that both MFR and cryo-stretching were effective in management of upper
trapezius trigger point.
Keyword :
Myofascial release, Trigger points, Cryostretch, Trapezius.