The efficacy of muscle energy technique in the treatment of chronic mechanical neck pain

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of muscle energy technique in the treatment of chronic mechanical neck pain. This was a randomized placebo controlled study. Two groups of thirty subjects from Durban and the surrounding areas were selected to participate in the study, which was carried out at the Technikon Natal Chiropractic Day Clinic. Subjects were diagnosed with the condition by the researcher. Each subject received six treatments within a period of three weeks. Group A received muscle energy technique and de-tuned laser therapy applied to joint fixations. Group B received de-tuned laser therapy applied to the fixated areas. Subjective assessment was by means of the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale-101. Objective assessment was by means of the digital algometer (The Commander\x99 Algometer by Jtech Medical Industries) and the Cervical Range of Motion Device. Both the subjective and objective readings were taken prior to the first treatment and a day following the final (sixth) treatment.