Manual Physical Therapy in Patients with Myofascial Pain in Upper Trapezius; A Systematic Review

A myofascial trigger point is a specific area of pain in a tight band of skeletal muscle, according to clinical definitions. Trigger points are often the site of both chronic and acute pain, even in people with untraceable pain.  Trigger points are places along a tight band of muscle that are described as being hypermobile and having both local and referred pain. Almost all muscle groups are susceptible to developing trigger points. The most often damaged muscles are those that are involved in maintaining posture, including the Levator Scapula, Upper Trapezius, Sternocleidomastoid, Scalene, and Quadrates Lumborum. Muscle soreness is a recognized symptom of myofascial pain syndromes. 

Patients' discomfort, function, and range of motion were considerably improved by combining stretching exercises, positional release techniques, and myofascial release. Muscle stretching was shown to be inferior to myofascial release in terms of relieving pain and impairment. Additionally, myofascial trigger point therapy and manual therapy both significantly reduced pain and disability. The effects of muscle energy method, ischemia compression, and ultrasound on pain and range of motion were likewise favorable. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of manual physical therapy approaches in treating upper trapezius myofascial pain and enhancing patient outcomes.