Comparison of the Effect of Short-Time Massage Using Neuromuscular Facilitation Exercises (NFE) on Neck and Shoulder Pain among Employees with Myofascial Trigger Points in the Trapezoid Muscle

Introduction: According to the high incidence of myofascial pains of trapezoid muscle in the computer users (employees), which leads to disability, absence from work, early fatigue and also reducing efficiency of employees due to frequent headaches associated with trigger points in the neck area, it is important to investigate the therapeutic methods to release myofascial trigger pain. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of short-time massage using neuromuscular facilitation stretching exercises (NFE) on neck and shoulder pain in the subjects with myofascial trigger points in trapezoid muscle. Methods: This study was a clinical trial, which was conducted on 42 patients (female and male employees of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences). The studied group included the patients with clinical symptoms and physical examination of trigger points in neck area. The subjects were matched for age, duration of symptoms, and the severity of pain. Then, they were randomly divided into 3 groups. Control, experimental 1(short-time massage) and experimental 2 (NFE exercises), respectively. Pain severity, neck pain, shoulder pain, shoulder disability, and shoulder disability and pain were measured after and before of therapeutic intervention and compared in within and among the groups by One-way ANOVA statistical method. Results: After one short-time massage therapy and NFE exercises, there was found a significant reduction in pain (P<0.05). Also, the pain in neek, shoulders, and shoulder disability was significantly decreased (P<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed between the groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: It seems that both of short-time massage and NFE exercise methods have a similar effect on treatment of trigger points in trapezoid muscle. According to a few studies, it needs to have more investigations