Effect of Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization on mouth opening in patients with chronic neck pain: A Randomised controlled trial

Chronic neck pain patients diagnosed with temporomandibular dysfunction often  present with musculoskeletal issues characterized  by pain, stiffness, and reduced

range of motion in the cervical spine. This condition predominantly affects the cervical spine, but its impact can extend to adjacent anatomical structures, including the

temporomandibular joint (TMJ) responsible for mouth opening. Neck pain causes cervical muscles tightness, muscles which are commonly involved are upper

trapezius, SCM, Suboccipital, Scalene, and Levator Scapulae that can affect neck movements and has direct impact on craniovertebral angle. According to studies,

cervical muscle tightness can limit mouth opening by affecting the kinetic chain. In such cases  physiotherapy treatment mainly focuses on  improvement of cervical

spine range of motion and neck pain, which leads to negligence of  TMJ evaluation and management. Previous literature suggest that IASTM has been proved for

trigger point release in patients with chronic neck pain. There is dearth in literature regarding treatment efficacy of IASTM to release triggers points and improve mouth

opening, Hence the need arises.