Effect of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Proprioception and Disability in Patients With Cervicogenic Headache: A Parallel Group, Randomized Controlled Trial

The International Headache Society has classified the cervicogenic headache as a secondary headache type that is hypothesized to originate due to nociception in the cervical area. The main difference between these patients with and without cervicogenic headache is the lateralization of pressure hyperalgesia to the painful side of the head and neck, there is a unilateral pattern of pressure hyperalgesia in the head and neck that typifies the altered sensory processing in patients with cervicogenic headache. Cervicogenic headache pain has been mostly related to joint, disc and ligament disease of the upper cervical spine. However, the upper cervical nerves also receive afferent inputs from the muscle tissues.

Several physical therapy techniques are proposed for this type of headache. Strength and endurance exercises, when accompanied by stretching exercises, were shown to be an effective treatment for cervicogenic headache patients. The lack of solid evidence of positive effects and risks of serious complications for spinal manipulation should be considered in favor of other physical therapy options associated with less risk. Graston Technique is an instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) treatment method using a tool that generates mechanical micro-traumatic damage to the treated area. It thus creates an inflammatory response to accelerate the healing process and restore flexible, normal tissue. This technique seems to have the therapeutic effects of inhibiting the adhesion of tissue, increasing the number of fibroblasts, and promoting collagen synthesis. eighty patients with carcinogenic headache will be allocated randomly to two equal group. one group will receive IASTM and traditional therapy and other will receive traditional only for eight weeks.