The immediate effects of manual stretching and cervicothoracic junction manipulation on cervical range of motion and upper trapezius pressure pain thresholds

• Published in: Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation Vol. 30; no. 5; pp. 1005 - 1013
• Main Authors: Hanney, William J., Puentedura, Emilio J., Kolber, Morey J., Liu, Xinliang, Pabian, Patrick S., Cheatham, Scott W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 22.09.2017; Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Adult; Cervical Vertebrae - physiology; Demography; Female; Humans; Male; Manipulation, Spinal - statistics & numerical data; Myofascial Pain Syndromes - therapy; Neck; Neck Pain - therapy; Pain; Pain Threshold - physiology; Pressure; Range of motion; Range of Motion, Articular - physiology; Rotation; Shoulder; Spinal manipulation; Spine; Superficial Back Muscles - physiology; Trapezius muscle; Young Adult; Algometry; spinal manipulation; pressure pain threshold; stretching
• ISSN: 1053-8127; 1878-6324; 1878-6324
• DOI: 10.3233/BMR-169573

INTRODUCTION: Myofascial pain is a common impairment treated with various manual interventions including spinal thrust manipulation and stretching; however, the comparative efficacy of each intervention is uncertain. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate thrust manipulation targeting the cervicothoracic junction compared to a manual stretch of the upper trapezius muscle on cervical range of motion and upper trapezius pressure pain thresholds (PPTs). METHODS: Healthy participants with no significant history of neck pain were randomized into a thrust manipulation group, a stretching group, or a control group. Within group differences were evaluated via a dependent t -test, and group by time interactions were evaluated by a two-way repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: One hundred and two participants were recruited to participate. Baseline demographics revealed no significant differences between groups. Significant group by time interactions were found for changes in PPTs for both the right and left upper trapezius. Also, significant differences were found for changes in cervical extension, as well as right and left cervical side bending favoring the treatment groups. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates the potential independent effectiveness of spinal thrust manipulation or stretching for reducing PPTs at the upper trapezius. Future research should further evaluate the limitation of PPTs as a measure of muscle sensitivity as well as factors that may contribute to variability in the measurements among individuals seeking care.