Comparison of connective tissue massage and spray-and-stretch technique in the treatment of chronic cervical myofascial pain syndrome

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate whether ischemic pain tolerance changed in patients who had successfully undergone treatment for chronic cervical myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). In a controlled study, patients with the diagnosis of MPS were assessed for pain intensity using a visual analogue scale (VAS), number of trigger points, range of motion (ROM) in cervical region, and ischemic pain threshold and tolerance using a modified tourniquet technique. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. The first group was treated with connective tissue massage and the second with vapocoolant spray and stretch technique. No difference was found between the groups as regards to the assessed parameters except VAS, which was higher in the group treated with the spray and stretch technique. Following treatment, although there was a significant decrease in pain intensity and number of trigger points, and an increase in ROM in both groups, there was no difference in ischemic pain threshold or tolerance, when compared with pre-treatment values.