Comparison of conventional physical therapy methods and myofacial release techniques in individuals with chronic neck pain

Aim: This study compares conventional physical therapy methods and myofascial release techniques in patients with chronic neck pain and examines the effectiveness of the frequency of application of myofascial release techniques. Method: In the study, 60 patients between the ages of 18-65 who had neck pain for at least 6 months were included in the study. Among the groups we randomized; Tens, ultrasound and home exercise program for the control group, ultrasound, tens and cervical region (3 days x 4 weeks = 12 sessions) myofascial release techniques and home exercise program for the MFGT-3 group, Tens, ultrasound and home exercise program and cervical region (3 days x 4 weeks = 12 sessions) myofascial release techniques for the MFGT-5 group plan were applied. Ultrasound and TENS were applied to all groups as conventional physical therapy methods. Ultrasound was applied to all groups for 20 sessions of 7 minutes each session. In cervical region self myofascial release techniques; Foam rollers were applied in the cervical region with rolling, fixing, right-left lateral flexion, and right-left rotation movements. Patients in all groups participating in our research were evaluated before and after treatment. Visual Analog Scale , Neck Disability Questionnaire, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were administered. Results: In the study, it was found that the VAS score was significant before and after (p<0.05) in all groups included. According to all groups, results were significant (p<0.05) in the NDI score between the pre-treatment and post treatment period. According to all groups, results were significant (p<0.05) in the HAD score between the pre-treatment and post treatment period. It was determined that the TKS score and results of the MFGT-3 and MFGT-5 groups, to which myofascial release techniques were applied, were significant (p<0.05) before and after treatment. Discussions: Although conservative physical therapy methods are effective in reducing pain and disability in individuals with chronic neck pain, they are not sufficient in the management of anxiety, depression and kinesiophobia. It has been determined that myofascial release techniques to be added to conservative treatment allow individuals to reduce pain, decrease disability level and increase functional level, cause a decrease in kinesiophobia, but have a minimal effect on depression and anxiety.