Comparative Study on the Effectiveness of Myofascial Release and Ischemic Compression vs Cryostretching and Muscle Energy Technique in the Management of Upper Trapezius Trigger Points

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Myofascial Release combined with Ischemic Compression versus Cryostretching combined with Muscle Energy Technique in the management of upper trapezius myofascial trigger points. Upper trapezius trigger points commonly cause neck pain restricted movement and muscle tenderness. Thirty participants aged eighteen to forty years with clinically diagnosed active trigger points in the upper trapezius will be randomly allocated into two groups. Group A will receive Myofascial Release followed by Ischemic Compression and Group B will receive Cryostretching followed by Muscle Energy Technique. The intervention will be provided three sessions per week for two weeks. Pain intensity cervical range of motion and pressure pain threshold will be assessed at baseline week one and week two. The primary objective is to determine which treatment approach produces greater reduction in pain and muscle tenderness. The study may help clinicians choose a more effective manual therapy and stretching protocol for treating upper trapezius trigger points.