Effects of the active release technique on pain and range of motion of patients with chronic neck pain

Abstract

[Purpose] To compare the influences of the active release technique (ART) and joint mobilization (JM) on the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, pressure pain threshold (PPT), and neck range of motion (ROM) of patients with chronic neck pain. [Subjects] Twenty-four individuals with chronic neck pain were randomly and equally assigned to 3 groups: an ART group, a joint mobilization (JM) group, and a control group. Before and after the intervention, the degree of pain, PPT, and ROM of the neck were measured using a VAS, algometer, and goniometer, respectively. [Results] The ART group and JM group demonstrated significant changes in VAS and ROM between pre and post-intervention, while no significant change was observed in the control group. Significant differences in the PPT of all muscles were found in the ART group, while significant differences in all muscles other than the trapezius were found in the JM group. No significant difference in PPT was observed in any muscle of the control group. The posthoc test indicated no statistically significant difference between the ART and JM group, but the differences of variation in VAS, PPT, and ROM were greater in the ART group than in the JM and control groups. [Conclusion] ART for the treatment of chronic neck pain may be beneficial for neck pain and movement.

The effect of feedback respiratory exercise on muscle activity, craniovertebral angle, and neck disability index of the neck flexors of patients with forward head posture

“…This study showed that NDI was more effective in the experimental group. Katayama et al21 ) reported that proper breathing can release the body by stimulating activity of the sympathetic nervous system, and Kim et al22 ) reported that neck pain and NDI improved after mediating active release techniques for 3 weeks for 24 patients with chronic neck pain. based on these studies, when breathing exercises are mediated, they are effective in releasing the body.…”

Comparing the effectiveness of myofascial techniques with massage in persons with upper crossed syndrome (preliminary report)

“…IV) aktywna technika aktywnego rozluźniania (metodyka: terapeuta wykonał pionowy nacisk na daną strukturę, zaś pacjent wykonywał ruchu w kierunku, w którym ona się wydłużania w maksymalnym możliwym zakresie ruchu na dany moment (nacisk terapeuty ogranicza wielkość zakresu ruchu); na dany obszar powtórzono działanie 3 razy; technikę wykonywano obustronnie na cz. zstępującą m. czworobocznego grzbietu oraz na m. piersiowym mniejszym) [8][9][10]. Grupa II była poddana terapii, w której wykorzystano techniki masażu klasycznego.…”

“…The procedure was repeated 3 times in each area. The technique was performed on both sides on the trapezius muscle (descending part) and the pectoralis minor muscle [8][9][10]. Group 2 underwent the therapy with the use of massage.…”

The biopsychosocial approach and considerations involved in chronic pain

“…Similarly, Salas et al conducted a study involving individuals suffering from CLBP, and found that a program that includes myofascial release techniques, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching, and physical exercise can improve fatigue, pain interference, and overall physical function better than traditional exercise alone [34] . Additionally, Kim et al found that a three-week myofascial release and joint mobilization techniques increased neck range-of-motion, with the participants also reporting decreased pain levels [35] . The aforementioned studies demonstrate the importance of myofascial release therapy on improving pain symptoms and range of motion, but stretching in itself is very valuable as a modality for pain management.…”