Abstract

Background. Myofascial trigger points and hypersensitive taut bands within the muscles can be a very distressing condition. It’s linked to regional muscular spasms, tightened related joints, and a restricted range of motion. Purpose. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of phonophoresis and low-level laser therapy on trigger points of the upper fibers of the trapezius. Methods. It was a randomized controlled trial that conducted on forty-five patients from both genders, with their age ranging from 20-40 years that had myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius, selected from El-Ahram physical therapy center, Giza and randomly assigned into three groups. All groups received traditional treatment in addition to low-level laser therapy in group (A), phonophoresis in group (B), and a combined treatment of low-level laser therapy and phonophoresis in group (C). Cervical range of motion was measured by cervical range of motion device and pain intensity by pressure algometer before and after 12 sessions of the treatment. Results. All groups saw a significant increase in cervical range of motion (P = 0.0001) and a significant decrease in pain after treatment.The improvement in pain level and left side bending motion range was in favor of group (C) than group (A) and (B). Conclusion. According to the findings, both low-level laser and phonophoresis are helpful in enhancing cervical range of motion and decreasing pain intensity in upper trapezius myofascial pain, with the combination therapy being superior in reducing pain and improving left side bending.

Key words:

low level laser therapy, phonophoresis, myofascial pain syndromes