The immediate effects of manual stretching and cervicothoracic junction manipulation on cervical range of motion and upper trapezius pressure pain thresholds.
INTRODUCTION
Myofascial pain is a common impairment treated with various manual interventions including spinal thrust manipulation and stretching; however, the comparative efficacy of each intervention is uncertain. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate thrust manipulation targeting the cervicothoracic junction compared to a manual stretch of the upper trapezius muscle on cervical range of motion and upper trapezius pressure pain thresholds (PPTs).


METHODS
Healthy participants with no significant history of neck pain were randomized into a thrust manipulation group, a stretching group, or a control group. Within group differences were evaluated via a dependent t-test, and group by time interactions were evaluated by a two-way repeated measures ANOVA.


RESULTS
One hundred and two participants were recruited to participate. Baseline demographics revealed no significant differences between groups. Significant group by time interactions were found for changes in PPTs for both the right and left upper trapezius. Also, significant differences were found for changes in cervical extension, as well as right and left cervical side bending favoring the treatment groups.


DISCUSSION
This study demonstrates the potential independent effectiveness of spinal thrust manipulation or stretching for reducing PPTs at the upper trapezius. Future research should further evaluate the limitation of PPTs as a measure of muscle sensitivity as well as factors that may contribute to variability in the measurements among individuals seeking care.
['Hanney|William J|WJ|', 'Puentedura|Emilio J|EJ|', 'Kolber|Morey J|MJ|', 'Liu|Xinliang|X|', 'Pabian|Patrick S|PS|', 'Cheatham|Scott W|SW|']
D000328:Adult D002574:Cervical Vertebrae D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D020393:Manipulation, Spinal D009209:Myofascial Pain Syndromes D009333:Neck D019547:Neck Pain D017288:Pain Threshold D011312:Pressure D016059:Range of Motion, Articular D012399:Rotation D064171:Superficial Back Muscles D055815:Young Adult
stretching pressure pain threshold Algometry spinal manipulation