Compari̇son the effectiveness of ischemi̇c compression and instrument assisted soft tissue mobilizati̇on on pain and function in patients with nonspecific neck pain

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of Ischemic Compression (IC) and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) on pain, functionality, cervical range of motion, pressure pain threshold, and quality of life in patients suffering from nonspecific neck pain. The study included forty-eight desk workers suffering from chronic nonspecific neck pain and at least three Active Trigger Points (ATP) in the neck muscles. The participants were randomly assigned to three groups. Group 1 underwent Ischemic Compression on myofascial trigger points, Group 2 received Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization for soft tissue mobilization, while Grup 3 was the control group and only received a home exercise program. .Each group was also provided with home exercises and suggestions for workplace modifications. Participants received a total of 12 treatment sessions over 6 weeks, with 2 sessions per week. Assessments were conducted before and after treatment (at 6 weeks). Pain was evaluated using VAS; servical range of motion was measured using a universal goniometer; the presence of ATP was determined according to the Travell and Simons criteria; pain threshold was assessed using a digital algometer; functionality was evaluated using Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Work Role Functioning Questionnaire (WRFQ); quality of life was measured using the SF-12; and patient satisfaction was assessed using the Global Change GROC)Scale. Statistically significant improvements were observed in VAS, NDI, cervical range of motion, WRFQ, and SF-12 scores in all three groups (p<0.05). Significant improvement in pain threshold was observed in the Ischemic Compression group (p<0.05), while no significant improvement was found in the IASTM and Control groups. There were no statistically significant differences in VAS, NDI, cervical range of motion, WRFQ, GROC, and SF-12 scores between the groups (p>0.05). There were statistically significant differences in pain threshold values between muscle groups in the Ischemic Compression group compared to the IASTM and Control groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, both Ischemic Compression and IASTM techniques, with an exercise program, improved pain, cervical range of motion, functionality, and quality of life in individuals with non-specific neck pain. However, Ischemic Compression was found to be more effective than IASTM in improving pressure pain threshold.