Efficacy of Myofascial Release Therapy on Pain, Mobility and Function in Patients with Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Nonspecific neck pain (NSNP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder affecting quality of life and functional independence. Nonspecific neck pain, which manifests as simple neck discomfort without a clearly identifiable underlying cause and often arises from postural or mechanical stressors, is the most prevalent type observed in clinical practice. Myofascial release therapy (MFR) has emerged as a manual therapy technique aimed at reducing fascial restrictions and improving mobility. Objective: The present study evaluates the efficacy of MFR in reducing pain, improving cervical range of motion (CROM), and enhancing functional outcomes in individuals with NSNP. Methods: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted at KTG Mult speciality Hospital on 30 participants aged 25–50 years with NSNP persisting for more than 3 months. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: MFR Group (n = 15) and Control Group receiving Sham MFR and Symptom specific exercises (n = 15). Both groups received the same interventions in terms of the symptom specific exercise and electrotherapy, the only difference being that the MFR group received Myofascial Release where-as the control group received sham Myofascial release. Interventions were delivered thrice weekly for 3 weeks. Pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale, VAS), functional disability (Neck Disability Index, NDI), and Cervical Range of Motion were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Data were analysed using repeated-measures ANOVA with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The MFR group showed significantly greater improvements in VAS (mean reduction 4.2 ± 1.0 vs. 2.1 ± 0.9, p < 0.001), NDI (mean reduction 18.4 ± 5.2 vs. 8.9 ± 4.6, p < 0.001), and CROM (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation; all p < 0.01) compared to the control group. Conclusion: MFR was more effective than conventional stretching in reducing pain, enhancing CROM, and improving functional outcomes in NSNP. Incorporating MFR into physiotherapy protocols may provide additional clinical benefits.