Comparison of Ischemic Compression Combined With Muscle Energy Technique Versus Ischemic Compression Alone on Myofascial Trigger Points of Upper Trapezius in Breast Cancer Survivors

Background: A hyperirritable region, typically located within a taut band of skeletal muscle, is known as a myofascial trigger point. It can cause discomfort upon compression, as well as the typical referred pain, motor dysfunction, and autonomic abnormalities. TrPs may be associated with breast cancer. Symptoms of upper body dysfunction and pain are typical among breast cancer survivors. Noninvasive techniques including massage, spray and stretch, physical therapy, and transcutaneous electrical stimulation can all help reduce trigger points. Ischemic compression and Muscle energy technique (MET) is an intriguing non-invasive treatment that has showed more effect on myofascial trigger points Objectives: Aims and objective of this study was to compare the effect of ischemic compression combined with muscle energy technique and ischemic compression alone on myofascial trigger points in breast cancer survivors. To see improvement in range of cervical flexion, cervical extension and cervical lateral flexion. Method: This was Quasi-experimental study in which convenient sampling was done from breast cancer patient from breast cancer ward of PINUM and Allied hospital Faisalabad for 6 months after meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. 20 individuals with Myofascial Trigger points were assigned into two groups: Group 1 and Group 2. Group 1 received ischemic compression combined with Muscle Energy Technique for 3 weeks and Group 2 received ischemic compression alone for 3 weeks. Evaluation of pain, range of cervical flexion, cervical extension and cervical lateral flexion was done by Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Goniometer and Neck Pain Disability Index respectively. Results: wilcoxon and Mann whitney tests were applied and results showed p value <0.01. Conclusion: According to data analysis and after applying Mann-whitney test we found that ischemic compression combined with muscle energy technique has more effect on myofascial trigger points in improving pain and range of motion than ischemic compression alone. Keywords: Breast cancer, Goniometer, Ischemic compression, Myofascial Trigger Points, ,Muscle Energy Technique, ROM