Effect of Manual Pressure Release and Muscle Energy Technique for Treating Mechanical Neck Pain Due to Upper Trapezius Trigger Point - A Case Study

Among all ages, neck discomfort is among the most prevalent and debilitating musculoskeletal problems; it affects 30% to 50% of the population every year, with women being more likely to experience it. Because of decreased muscular strength and limited range of motion in the neck, this disease causes the accessory neck muscles to contract more often, which in turn makes repetitive motions involving the upper limbs more painful. Small, nodular tight bands called "trigger points" may develop in the neck muscles as a result of physical deconditioning, inactivity, and repeated strain. Problems with the upper body's muscles and joints are made worse by these trigger points. “This research aims to determine if mechanical neck discomfort caused by trigger points in the upper trapezius may be effectively treated using muscle energy method and manual pressure release. After two weeks of therapy, patients' pain levels and functional capacities were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Neck Disability Index (NDI). This research found that individuals experiencing neck discomfort from trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle responded well to a combination of manual pressure release and muscle energy method.” Key words: Manual pressure release, trigger points, muscle energy technique, neck pain