Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of ischemic
compression therapy versus foam rolling in the treatment of pain associated with active
rhomboid trigger points.
Method: A sample of 30 participants between the ages of 18 and 60 years, took part in this
study. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups of 15 participants each. Group 1
received ischemic compression therapy delivered to the involved rhomboid trigger point and
Group 2 received foam rolling over the involved rhomboid trigger point. The trial period
included six treatments delivered over a period of three weeks with a seventh visit for
measurement only (thus no treatment administered). Subjective and objective data were
collected at visit 1, visit 4, and visit 7. Subjective measurements consisted of the Short-Form
McGill Pain Questionnaire that encompassed the Visual Analogue Scale. Objective
measurements were recorded using a pressure algometer.
Results: According to descriptive and clinical analysis of the subjective and objective data,
Group 2 proved to be slightly more effective than Group 1 with a greater decrease in pain
pressure threshold. Statistically, intragroup and intergroup analysis showed that neither
Group 1 (ischemic compression) nor Group 2 (foam rolling) proved to be superior to the
other.
Conclusion: This study showed that both treatment protocols were effective, however no
treatment proved to be superior. It can be concluded that active rhomboid trigger point pain
can effectively be treated by both ischemic compression and foam rolling, providing the
chiropractic profession with two different post manipulative, home, or alternative treatment
protocols to spinal manipulation.