Multimodal approach of electrotherapy versus myofascial release in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction. To investigate and compare the effect of the multimodal approach of electrotherapy and myofascial release on pain, range of motion, and functional restriction in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain. Methods. overall, 60 patients of both genders, aged 18-40 years, with chronic mechanical neck pain were diagnosed by an orthopaedist in Shoubra General Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. They were randomly assigned into 3 groups. in group A, 20 patients received multimodal approach of electrotherapy (low level laser therapy, interferential therapy, ultrasound, and non-guideline approach in the form of stretch and strength) 3 times a week for 4 weeks. in group B, 20 patients received myofascial release therapy and non-guideline approach in the form of stretch and strength 3 times a week for 4 weeks. in group C, 20 patients received traditional therapeutic exercises in the form of stretch and strength 3 times a week for 4 weeks. All patients in all groups were evaluated pre- and post-treatment through visual analogue scale, cervical range of motion (CRoM) device, and neck disability index to assess pain, CRoM, and functional restriction. Results. Multiple pairwise comparison tests (post-hoc tests) revealed that there was no significant difference between the effect of multimodal approach of electrotherapy (group A) and myofascial release therapy (group B) on pain intensity level, CRoM, or functional restriction. However, these turned out significantly more effective than traditional therapeutic exercises (group C). Conclusions. Both multimodal approach of electrotherapy and myofascial release therapy are effective in treating patients with chronic mechanical neck pain.