Positional release therapy and therapeutic massage reduce muscle trigger and tender points

To determine if positional release therapy (PRT) or therapeutic massage (TM) was more effective in the treatment of trigger and tender points in the upper trapezius muscle.

Trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle are common and can be painful. Trigger points are commonly treated using TM however, PRT is a novel treatment that deserves further investigation.

Sixty healthy male (24) and female (36) participants, (age = 27.1 ± 8.8 years, wt = 75.2 ± 17.9 kg, ht = 172.8 ± 9.7 cm) presenting with upper trapezius pain and a trigger point were recruited and randomized into either the TM or PRT group. Upper trapezius trigger points were found via palpation. Pain level was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) and pain pressure threshold (PPT) was assessed using a pressure algometer. Muscle thickness was measured by B-mode ultrasound, while muscle stiffness was measured by shear-wave elastography (SWE). Participants were measured at baseline, posttreatment and again 48 h later.

Both treatments were effective in treatment of pain and muscle stiffness. Although no statistical group differences existed, treatment using PRT showed decreased pain averages and decreased pressure sensitivity at both post treatment, and 48 h later. Neither treatment was able to maintain the reduced muscle stiffness at the 48-h measure in males.

Both treatments showed a significant ability to reduce pain and acutely decrease muscle stiffness. Although not statistically different, clinically PRT is more effective at decreasing pain, and decreasing pressure sensitivity. Neither treatment method produced a long lasting effect on muscle stiffness in males.