Short-Term Effect of Percussive Massage Therapy for Chronic Neck Pain Patients With Active Myofascial Trigger Points: A Randomized Trial

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term effects of percussive massage therapy (PMT) on clinical parameters in patients with chronic neck pain (CNP) with upper trapezius active myofascial trigger points (AMTrPs).

Methods

Fifty patients with CNP with upper trapezius AMTrPs were randomized equally to a PMT group and a neck and shoulder stretching (NS) group for six 5-minute sessions over 3 weeks. Resting pain intensity (RPI), pain pressure threshold (PPT), neck disability index (NDI), neck range of motion (ROM), and global perceived effect (GPE) were assessed at baseline, immediately after the first session, and after the 3-week intervention.

Results

The groups did not differ significantly in RPI or GPE (P > .05); however, the NS group outperformed the PMT group in immediate GPE reduction (P < .01). The PMT and NS groups showed improvements in these outcomes from baseline (P < .05). Both groups exhibited improved NDI after the intervention (P < .001), whereas the NS group showed a substantial reduction in PPT during the follow-up (P < .001). The PMT group showed greater neck ROM, except for flexion and right rotation, than the NS group (P < .05). Both groups showed similar improvements in neck flexion and right rotation during follow-up (P < .05).

Conclusion

PMT and NS improved RPI, neck disability, neck flexion and right rotation, and patient satisfaction in patients with CNP with upper trapezius AMTrPs. The PMT group exhibited greater improvement in other neck movements.