Abstract
Purpose: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of a treatment protocol that
included Chiropractic manipulation and ischaemic compression against an alternative
treatment protocol that involved Chiropractic manipulation and Shockwave therapy. Both
protocols were carried out on a target group that presented with an active myofascial trigger
point of the upper trapezius muscles.
Method: A selection of 30 participants between the ages of 18 and 50 years were recruited for
this study, all of which presented with mechanical neck pain that was caused by the presence
of an active myofascial trapezius trigger point. Participants were randomly allocated into two
groups, with each group containing 15 participants. Group 1 received Chiropractic manipulative
therapy to their cervical spine and upper thoracic spine as well as ischaemic compression to
the active myofascial trapezius trigger point. Group 2 received Chiropractic manipulative
therapy to their cervical spine and upper thoracic spine as well as Shockwave therapy to the
active myofascial trigger point present in the trapezius muscle. Each participant received a total
of 6 treatments with the seventh and final treatment being a data collection consult only, this
was the same for both groups.
Results: Both treatment protocols had positive clinical effects on the participants. Subjectively
the participants, on average, experienced a decrease in perceived pain. Objectively both the
CROM measurements and the Pressure Algometer readings decreased throughout the trial
period, this was noted in both groups.
Conclusion: In conclusion both treatment protocols had positive effects on participants over
the trial, neither treatment protocol had definitive statistical improvements compared to the
other in the treatment of mechanical neck pain with associated trapezius myofascial trigger
point involvement and thus to conclude, both ischaemic compression therapy and Shockwave
therapy in conjunction with cervical and upper thoracic spinal manipulations can be used to
effectively treat mechanical neck pain with associated trapezius myofascial trigger point
involvement.