Effect of bowen therapy versus myokinetic stretching technique on pericranial muscles in individuals with tension type headache: A Randomized Clinical trial

To evaluate and compare the effect of Bowen’s therapy versus Myokinetic stretching technique in individuals with tension type headache

Inclusion  Criteria

Both male and female students in the age group 18-25 years[7]

Bilateral location [2]

Recurrent mild to moderately intense headaches [2]

Headaches that feel pressing or tightening [2]

No episodes of nausea or vomiting during headache [9]

No exacerbation with ordinary physical activity [2]

Headache Disability Index score ranging from 10-48 (mild to moderate)

 Exclusion  Criteria:

Subjects with other types of headache like migraine or cervicogenic headache

Any co morbid factors like congenital, malignant, autoimmune and neurological conditions involving head and neck

Any trauma to head and neck region less than 6 months

Any diagnosed systemic illness

Individuals on medication for tension type headache

Group A (Bowen Therapy)

The individuals will be positioned in prone lying position. Thumb is placed on top of the pericranial muscle. To create a challenge or pressure against the muscle, silently hook the thumb into the lateral edge of the muscle. As the nervous system senses a tension that indicates "something is about to occur," create a brief pause. The muscle will pluck or plop when we start to flatten the thumb in a medial direction. Toughen the muscle, carry the skin. Starting with the thumbs on the left side of the body and moving on to the fingers on the right. To allow the hands to play the muscles simultaneously, they are often placed on the back with an inch separating the thumbs and fingers. Intervention will be given on alternate days for 2 weeks. The duration of treatment per session will be 20 minutes.

 Group B (Myokinetic Stretching Technique)

The therapist had the subject lie down on the plinth with their head resting at the edge. The therapist then used one hand to hold the neck in cervical lateral flexion to the other side, which stretched the trapezius muscle. Myofascial release was administered by continuously pressing on the affected trapezius for five to ten seconds. To pick up the slack, a gentle myofascial stretching force was used, and it was maintained until a release happened. Intervention will be given on alternate day basis for 2 weeks. 4 sets of 15 stretches with intermittent rest of 3 minutes will be given.

Both groups A and B will be given conventional treatment comprising of ergonomic education, chin retractions, passive stretching to upper trapezius muscles and cryotherapy to posterior cervical region will be given.