DOI: 10.4103/mjdrdypu.mjdrdypu_746_25 ISSN: 2589-8302

Instrument- Assisted Cervical Soft Tissue Mobilization to Maximize Mouth Opening in Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Roopa Desai, Suraj Chavan
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BSTRACT

Background:

Chronic neck pain (CNP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition often linked to functional issues such as restricted mouth opening. This study investigated the effectiveness of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) on Maximal Mouth Opening (MMO), pain, and Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT) in CNP patients.

Methods:

This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 67 participants aged 20–50 years diagnosed with CNP and limited mouth opening. Participants were divided into two groups: Group A (IASTM + conventional exercises) ( n = 33) and Group B (conventional exercises alone) ( n = 34). Both groups received treatment for 3 alternate days a week for 4 weeks. Included outcome measures were the MMO measured with modified vernier caliper, Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and PPT with pressure algometer measured at upper trapezius and levator scapulae bilaterally. Preintervention and postintervention data were analysed by using paired t -test and independent t -test for between group analysis.

Results:

Both the groups showed significant within-group improvements in MMO, NPRS, and PPT after 4 weeks of intervention with ( P ≤ 0.05). The independent t -test for between group analysis revealed statistically significant improvements in group A in terms of MMO ( P ≤ 0.0001*), NPRS ( P ≤ 0.0009*), and PPT for upper trapezius bilaterally ( P ≤ 0.02*) and ( P ≤ 0.004*) as compared with group B.

Conclusion:

IASTM combined with conventional physiotherapy is effective in enhancing mouth opening, reducing pain, and improving PPT in CNP patients.

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