Effects of ischemic compression and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization techniques in trigger point therapy in patients with rotator cuff pathology: randomized controlled study.

Purpose: To compare the ischaemic compression (IC) and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) in the treatment of MTrPs in addition to standard rehabilitation program in patients with rotator cuff tears.

Methods: Participants with rotator cuff tears were included the study (n = 46). Patients were randomly divided into two groups; which were Group 1 (IC + standard rehabilitation program (n = 23)), and Group 2 (IASTM + standard rehabilitation program (n = 23)) groups. Pain were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS). Range of motion (ROM) was assessed by a universal goniometer. Active MTrPs were assessed according to the Travel and Simons criteria. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) were assessed by a digital algometer. Function were evaluated by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardised Shoulder Assessment (ASES) Form. Anxiety and depression were evaluated by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale. Satisfaction was assessed by the Global Rating of Change scale after 6 weeks treatment.

Results: After the treatment, pain, ROM and the DASH, ASES, HAD scores improved in both groups (p < 0.05). The active MTrPs of 2 muscles, PPT of 4 muscles and DASH in Group 1 significantly improved compared to Group 2 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Although patients with low functionality accumulated in the IC group, the IC is more effective than the IASTM in increasing the PPT and functional improvement according to the results of the DASH score.