Effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and cupping applications in individuals with cervical disc gerniation: A randomized controlled trial

This study investigated the effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and cupping therapy on neck awareness, grip strength, pain, balance, and sleep quality in patients with cervical disc herniation. This study was conducted with 27 individuals with cervical disc herniation aged between 18 and 65. The participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=13) or control group (n=14). While both groups received conservative treatment, the intervention group also received both IASTM and cupping therapy once a week on non-consecutive days. Intervention efficacy was evaluated by the Fremantle Neck Awareness Questionnaire to evaluate neck awareness, a Visual Analogue Scale to assess pain, a hand dynamometer to quantify grip strength, the Jenkins Sleep Scale to evaluate sleep quality, and the Single Leg Standing Test to determine balance. All assessments were made at baseline and the end of treatment. No significant discrepancy was identified between the intervention and control groups regarding pain, neck awareness, grip strength, sleep quality, and balance scores, both at rest and during activity. A significant difference was observed in all measures for the intervention group in the initial and final test comparisons. In the control group, a significant variation was detected in the VAS score for both rest and activity conditions and no significant difference was observed in the neck awareness, grip strength, sleep quality and balance scores. In the intervention group, neck pain decreased, neck awareness, grip strength and sleep quality increased, and balance improved after IASTM and cupping therapy. Alternative modalities such as IASTM and cupping therapy may be beneficial for individuals with cervical disc herniation; however, further research is recommended.