Abstract

Objective: Trapezitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the Trapezius muscle, leading to pain that worsens with movement and may persist at rest. It is a common musculoskeletal disorder associated with poor posture and repetitive neck movements. This study compared the effects of manual therapy techniques- Positional Release Technique (PRT) and Muscle Energy Technique (MET)-in combination with Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for the management of trapezitis in college students.
Materials and methods: A single-blinded randomized experimental study was conducted on forty participants aged 18-25 diagnosed with trapezitis. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (PRT+LLLT) and Group B (MET+LLLT), both treated for four weeks. Outcome measures included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI).
Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvement post-treatment (p≤0.05). However, Group B (MET+LLLT) showed superior results with greater reductions in pain and disability compared to Group A.
Conclusion: The combination of MET and low-level laser therapy was more effective than PRT with laser therapy in reducing pain and improving cervical range of motion in trapezitis among college students.

Keywords:Trapezitis; Muscle energy technique; Positional release technique; Low-level laser therapy; Neck disability index; Visual analogue scale; Sirtuin 1; Muscle regeneration