Effects of Instrument-Assisted Compressive Versus Decompressive Myofascial Release in Patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain: Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Sheeraz  Shehzad; Samraiz  Mughal; Rana Muhammad  Arslan; Umer  Farooq; Aliha  Imran; Misbah  Jabeen; Zoya Binte  Rohail; Tamjeed   Ghaffar

doi:10.54393/tt.v4i02.141

Authors

Sheeraz Shehzad Department of Physiotherapy, Laeeque Rafiq Institute of Health Sciences, Multan, Pakistan
Samraiz Mughal College of Physical Therapy, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Rana Muhammad Arslan Department of Physiotherapy, Laeeque Rafiq Institute of Health Sciences, Multan, Pakistan
Umer Farooq Department of Physiotherapy, Comwave Institute of Science and Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
Aliha Imran Ibn-E-Siena Hospital and Research Institute, Multan, Pakistan
Misbah Jabeen Department of Physiotherapy, Laeeque Rafiq Institute of Health Sciences, Multan, Pakistan
Zoya Binte Rohail Revive Autism Center, Multan, Pakistan
Tamjeed Ghaffar College of Physical Therapy, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/tt.v4i02.141

Keywords:

IASTM, Dry Cupping, Myofascial Decompression, Compressive Myofascial Release

Abstract

Non-specific low back pain, a common condition, affects vast majority of the population worldwide and can be treated with soft tissue mobilization either with compression or decompression. Objective: To compare the effects of instrument-assisted compressive versus decompressive myofascial release on pain intensity, lumbar range of motion, and disability in non-specific low back pain. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at Laeeque Rafiq Hospital from February 2023 to April 2023. Two groups were included: one received instrument-assisted compressive myofascial release (Ergon tool), and the other received decompressive myofascial release with dry cupping. The study followed the patients for three weeks, collecting measurements of pain intensity, lumbar flexion and extension range of motion (ROM), and disability scores of low back pain. Data analysis were performed using SPSS 21.0. Results: There were a total of 44 patients. 23 patients were assigned to the compressive myofascial release technique group and 21 patients to the decompressive myofascial release group. Pain severity and disability score in the decompressive myofascial release group reduced significantly compared to the compressive myofascial release group at the end of the third week and first week respectively (p-value=0.02 and p-value=0.05 respectively). Lumbar flexion and extension ROM improved significantly in the compressive release group as compared to the decompressive release group after 1^st and 2^nd week respectively (p-value=0.01 and p-value=0.04 respectively). Conclusions: Decompressive myofascial release reduces low back pain and disability, while compressive myofascial release improves lumbar range of motion.

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