COMPARISON OF INSTRUMENT-ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUE AND MYOFASCIAL GUN IN UPPER CROSS SYNDROME

Background: Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS) is acquired due to use of cell phones, laptops etc. Upper Trapezius is one of the primary muscles that is tightened in UCS. Myofascial release is a known method to treat UCS to relieve pain and improve cervical ranges and posture. This analyzes the effects of myofascial release of the Upper Trapezius muscle through IASTM and Myofascial Gun on pain, cervical ROMs, posture, and disability in UCS. The effects of IASTM on UCS are evident. However, Myofascial Guns are a new advancement whose effects are yet to be studied in UCS. Objective: To determine the effects of IASTM and Myofascial Gun on pain, cervical ROM’s, Posture, and functional status in UCS. Methods: An RCT was conducted on 30 patients with UCS. Participants were divided into two groups with 15 in each. Group A was treated with IASTM and Group B with Myofascial Gun on the upper trapezius muscle. Both groups received 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Assessments were taken at baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention. Results: IASTM and Myofascial Gun both were equally effective in improving NPRS, Cervical flexion, extension, right and left rotation, right and left lateral flexion, NDI scores and tragus to wall distance after 4 weeks of intervention in UCS. Conclusion: It is concluded that IASTM and Myofascial Gun both are equally effective in improving pain, cervical ROMs, posture and functional status in Upper Cross Syndrome.