Effectiveness of Self-Administered Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation with Self-Neural Mobilization Technique in TrapeziusMyalgia: Single Subject Research

Background:Trapezitis or the inflammation of the trapezius muscle is the most common condition leading to a pain and spasm in the cervical region. This is often referred to as trapeziusmyalgia. Individuals having long working hours on desktop are the most subjected to develop this condition. It could result in slight discomfort to sever pain which may lead to suboccipital muscle tightness as well.

Investigations: On the day of examination patient presented with severe pain and spasm in the muscles of upper back and neck. The range of motion was found to be reduced for cervical region on examination with goniometer. No radiological findings were available with the patient.

Case Presentation: A 23 years old female patient presented with a complaint of pain in right upper back and at times in the left upper back with intermittent radiation in the arm. Presenting with a history of pain on prolonged sitting, studying.

Discussion: Self proprioception neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching technique along with self neural mobilization was the main physiotherapeutic intervention. The outcome measures for pain and tightness showed significant improvement.

Conclusion: Self PNF stretching was found to be effective in patients with severe pain referring to arms along with the tightness, when traditional mode of treatment cannot be performed due to presence of extremely painful condition.