The etfectiveness of lschaemic compression as a treatment for myofascial trigger points in any region of the body: A revrew of randomised control trials
Item
- Title
- The etfectiveness of lschaemic compression as a treatment for myofascial trigger points in any region of the body: A revrew of randomised control trials
- Author(s)
- Gaffney, J
- Abstract
- Background lschaemic compression (lc) is a commonly used manual therapy technique for the treatment of myofascial trigger points (MTrps). previous reviews into the treatment of MTrPs have focused either on a specific condition or in comparison to other manual therapy interventions. None reviewed the outcome measures and no review has specifically investigated ischaemic compression at high quality design. Objectives The aim of this study was to review randomised control trials (RCTs) within the last decade on the effectiveness of lC as a treatment for MTrps in any region of the body. This will include viewing outcome measures and following time points. Design A structured literature review Method Three databases were searched using the relevant keywords and inclusion/exclusion criteria for randomised control trials after 2006. Five articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. Methodological quality of studies included were assessed using the PEDro scale by two independent reviewers. Results The Pedro scores ranged from 5/10 -7/10 with four studies achieving a score of 'moderate to high quality'-=6. only two studies had follow ups which was 7 days' posttreatment. Across studies the intervention improved range of motion, reduced pain levels and pressure pain threshold measurements in comparison to the control. Discussion lssues with the outcome measures arose with the use of goniometers in its reliability for measuring range of motion. Equally, statistical uncertainty surrounded the use of electromyography as well as mytonometers. The exact application of lC and diagnostic criteria for MTrPs across studies differed, leaving the validity of the results in question. The results suggest that the terms used interchangeably with lC - trigger point therapy, manual pressure release and sustained pressure release - are quite different techniques, and should not be used uniformly. Conclusion The five RCTs reviewed concluded that there may be short-term positive effects of lC (Trigger point release/Manual Pressure Release /Sustained Pressure Release) on reducing pain from MTrPs and improving joint ROM in healthy individuals. There is a lack of consensus on the diagnostic criteria of MTrPs and the method of application of lC to MTrps. Therefore, the effectiveness for this technique remains in question. Future studies should look to unifying an exact description of how the technique is performed.
- presented at
- European School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 2017
- Date Submitted
- 4.12.2017 17:06:21
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 16037
- Inst-Identifier
- 1229
- Keywords
- Effectiveness, lschaemic compression, Myofascial trigger points,
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Gaffney, J, “The etfectiveness of lschaemic compression as a treatment for myofascial trigger points in any region of the body: A revrew of randomised control trials”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 4, 2025, https://www.osteopathicresearch.org/s/orw/item/499