Immediate Effect of Positional Release Technique on Pain, Neck Disability and Cervical Range of Motion in Upper Trapezitis Among Physiotherapy Students

BACKGROUND: Upper trapezitis is common among physiotherapy students due to prolonged poor posture, repetitive strain, and extensive practical training. It leads to pain, restricted movement, and functional limitations, affecting academic and clinical performance. The postural release technique (PRT) is a manual therapy approach that helps reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and restore postural balance, offering immediate relief from pain and stiffness. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of positional release technique on pain, functional mobility and cervical range of motion among physiotherapy students with upper trapezitis. METHOD: A total of 50 students with trapezitis meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were taken to receive single session of Positional Release Technique. Pre and Post intervention scores of NPRS, Cervical range of motion (CROM) and Neck disability index (NDI) were measured. RESULTS: The study demonstrated statistically significant improvements following a single session of Positional Release Technique. The mean Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) score decreased from 7.72 ± 1.25 to 1.26 ± 1.05 (p < 0.001), and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) score improved from 19.36 ± 3.30 to 5.09 ± 2.46 (p < 0.001). Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) also significantly increased in all directions (p < 0.001), indicating enhanced functional mobility and reduced pain among physiotherapy students with upper trapezitis. CONCLUSION: There is immediate positive effect in pain, neck disability and cervical range of motion among physiotherapy students. Key words: Trapezitis, physiotherapy students, positional release technique