The Effect of Reciprocal Inhibition Techniques on Pain, Range of Motion, and Functional Activities in Patients With Upper Trapezitis.

Background and objective Upper trapezius can cause neck pain, and restrict functional activities and cervical range of motion (ROM), and hence its management should be part of a global rehabilitation program. Owing to the heterogeneity of the existing trials, various techniques of manual physical therapy might be potent, though the scope of their efficacy is currently unspecified. The reciprocal inhibition technique of the muscle energy technique (MET) works on both agonist as well antagonist muscles for the reduction of pain and to improve overall functional activities. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the reciprocal inhibition technique of MET on pain, cervical ROM, and functional activities in patients with upper trapezitis. Methods An interventional cross-sectional study involving 30 patients with neck pain due to upper trapezitis was conducted. The outcome measures were as follows: numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) score for pain intensity, universal goniometer for cervical ROM, and neck disability index (NDI) score for functional activities. The reciprocal inhibition technique involved a five-second hold, five-second rest, followed by stretching with a 10-60-second hold, with five repetitions. Patients were treated for five sessions a week for two weeks. Results Paired t-test was used to compare the group's mean values before and after therapy. Our findings revealed that NPRS score, cervical ROM, and NDI score notably improved (p=0.001). Conclusion The reciprocal inhibition technique of MET in patients with upper trapezitis showed significant improvement in neck pain, cervical movement, and functional activities. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to validate our findings.