Effect of Myofascial Release and Soft Tissue Mobilization versus Interferential Therapy with Exercises on Neck Musculoskeletal Related Syndromes: A Before and After Study.

BACKGROUND

Neck-related musculoskeletal disorders are classified among the top disabling conditions leading to discomfort, pain and functional restrictions which impact people's functions and performance.

AIM

To assess the effects of soft tissue mobilization versus interferential therapy with exercises among adults with neck musculoskeletal syndromes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two (32) participants in this study were randomly allocated to two groups. Experimental (n=16) received myofascial release and soft tissue mobilization. Control (n=16) received interferential therapy with conventional neck exercises for 6 weeks. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) Scores and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were used to measure the effect of the treatment interventions.

RESULTS

The findings from this intervention study showed a significant improvement in pain and disability. Unpaired (independent) t-test on NPRS and NDI scores between groups (NPRS t-test: -3.693 p=0.001) and (NDI t-test: -8.472, p=0.001) thus, favoring Myofascial release and soft tissue mobilization compared to IFT and exercises.

CONCLUSION

Myofascial release and soft tissue mobilisation treatment provided greater benefits in terms of reduction of functional limitations and pain. IFT and exercise therapy showed improvement suggesting that a combination of both treatment approaches may yield better results than single treatment modality alone.