Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of treating the active levator scapulae trigger point (TP1) with either chiropractic adjustments combined with ischemic compression or chiropractic adjustments combined with ultrasound therapy in physically active people in order to determine which of the two treatment protocols was superior.This study was a comparative study consisting of two groups of fifteen participants each. Participants were between the ages of eighteen and forty-five and there was an equal male to female ratio. Prior to becoming a participant in this study individuals were assessed according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire, a clinical case history, full physical examination, a cervical regional examination and examination of the levator scapulae muscle for an active central trigger point (TP1) were completed. The method of treatment for each participant was determined by random group allocation. Group 1 received cervical spine chiropractic adjustments combined with ischemic compression to the active levator scapulae trigger point. Group 2 received cervical spine chiropractic adjustments combined with ultrasound therapy to the active levator scapulae trigger point. Subjective and objective readings were based on the above treatment protocols.Treatment consisted of seven consultation sessions over a three week period. There were six treatment visits with the seventh visit used only for data collection. There were two treatments each week with at least two days in between visits. The third week consisted of three visits with the last visit used only for data collection. Subjective data was collected from the Vernon-Mior Neck Pain and Disability Index Questionnaire and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Objective data was collected from the pressure algometer readings. Subjective and objective data was collected before treatment on the first and fourth visits and on the seventh final data collection visit. Analysis of the data collected was done by a statistician. The chiropractic adjustments used were based on motion palpation findings on the treatment visits and re-assessed on each visit.Clinically significant improvements regarding neck pain and disability and trigger point severity were seen in both Group 1 and Group 2 over the three week period. Group 2 showed greater improvements in all subjective and objective readings over the three weeks compared to Group 1.