International Journal of Innovative Research and Development

Abstract

A myofascial trigger point (MtrP) is a hyperirritable area in a skeletal muscle that contain hyperirritable taut palpable bands located within a skeletal muscle that is painful on compression or stretch and that can give a typical referred pain pattern as well as autonomic phenomena. At present various interventions are available to treat myofascial trigger points. However, there are not many studies that have analyzed the effects of low level laser therapy and ischemic compression in the treatment of latent myofascial trigger points. The aim of the study was to find out the efficacy of low level laser therapy combined with ischemic compression in the treatment of latent myofascial trigger points.

Thirty subjects were randomly assigned into 2 groups. Both groups received treatment 5 days per week for 4 weeks. In group A(combination therapy) laser treatment was given for 10 minutes and ischemic compression was given for 5 minutes, whereas group B received ischemic compression for 5 minutes. Outcomes were evaluated by visual analog scale and range of motion. Study showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in pain and increased range of motion in both groups. But the pain reduction and increased range of motion was more significant in group A than group B. Combination of low level laser therapy and ischemic compression proved more effective treatment in latent myofascial trigger points than ischemic compression alone.

Keywords

Full Text