The efficacy of myofascial adhesion manipulation in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of Myofascial Adhesion Manipulation (grip and rip) in the treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome. The study was a prospective, unblinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. The sample size used was 60 patients selected from the Durban Metropolitan Area. Only patients diagnosed with active trigger points in either the Trapezius and/or the Levator Scapulae muscles were accepted into the study. The sample was divided into two groups of 30 patients each. One group received Myofascial Adhesion Manipulation, whilst the other group received placebo ultrasound. Each patient received four treatments over a maximum period of 3 weeks. Data was obtained from the patients at the first and second consultations, prior to treatments, and at the fourth consultation, immediately following the treatment. Subjective data was obtained with the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NRS 101) and the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (S-FMPQ). Objective data was obtained from pressure threshold algometry and the Myofascial Diagnostic Scale (MDS)