Effect of Myofascial Release Technique Versus Muscle Energy Technique On Pain and Disability in Subjects with Non Specific Low Back Pain

Background: Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions worldwide, often causing significant pain, functional limitation, and reduced quality of life. Manual therapy techniques, such as Myofascial Release (MFR) and Muscle Energy Technique (MET), are frequently used in physiotherapy to manage NSLBP, but evidence comparing their effectiveness remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of MFR and MET in reducing pain intensity and functional disability in individuals with NSLBP. Methods: Ninety participants diagnosed with NSLBP were recruited and randomly allocated into two groups: Group A received MFR (n = 45) and Group B received MET (n = 45). Both groups underwent their respective interventions over a six-week period. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), while functional disability was measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at baseline and immediately post-intervention.Results: Both groups showed statistically significant improvement post-intervention (p < 0.05); however, when comparing between groups, MFR demonstrated greater mean improvement in both pain and functional ability with a higher level of significance (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that MFR not only reduces pain but also more effectively enhances functional capacity, likely due to its ability to release fascial restrictions, improve tissue mobility, and modulate neurophysiological responses. Conclusion: A six-week intervention of MFR was more effective than MET in managing pain and improving functional outcomes in individuals with NSLBP. MFR can be recommended as the primary treatment approach, while MET may serve as a supportive therapy, particularly when muscle imbalance is present.