Effects of Ischemic Compression on the Trigger Points in the Upper Trapezius Muscle Jagad Bhavesh H., Jagad Karishma B. Lecturer, Shri K. K. Sheth Physiotherapy College, Rajkot, Gujarat, India Online published on 13 February, 2013. Abstract Background and Purpose of The Study A myofascial trigger point has been described as a hyperirritable spot, usually within a taut band of skeletal muscles or in the muscles fascia. The myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius is most commonly found at the midpoint of the upper boarder of the muscle. The objective of the study is to determine the effectiveness of ischemic compression for the treatment of myofascial trigger points in upper trapezius. Method 30 subjects were randomly assigned to either treatment group (group 1) or a control group (group 2). Subjects in group 1 received ischemic compression on the primary trigger point followed by stretching of the upper trapezius muscle. Subjects in group 2 received active neck exercise followed by stretching. All the patients of group 1 and 2 received treatment for 7 days. Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) measured by pressure algometer was used to measure trigger point sensitivity and Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) was scored as a measure of pain intensity on day 1 and day 8 in both the groups. Results In the treatment group (group 1) significant improvement was evident in the pressure pain threshold values (t=7.02, p<0.05), however no such improvement was found in the control group (group 2). Comparison between the two groups also showed significant difference in the pressure pain threshold measurement. Significant improvement was noted in the visual analogue scale score of group 1 (T=120, p<0.001) and group 2 (T= 66, p<0.001) both; however greater improvement was noted in treatment group (group 1). Conclusion Ischemic compression technique is highly effective in reducing the trigger point sensitivity and pain intensity in the trapezius muscle. Top Keywords Ischemic Compression, Upper Trapezius, Trigger Point. Top |