The effect of trigger point management by positional release therapy on tension type headache.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of trigger points' management by Positional Release Therapy (PRT) and routine medical therapy in treatment of Tension Type Headache.


BACKGROUND
Tension Type Headache is the most frequent headache with the basis of myofascial and trigger point disorders. PRT is an indirect technique that treats trigger points.


METHODS
30 Patients with active trigger points in cervical muscles entered to the study. They were randomly assigned to PRT or medical therapy group. Headache frequency, intensity and duration and tablet count were recorded by use of a daily headache diary. Sensitivity of trigger points was assessed by numeric pain intensity and by use of a digital force gauge (FG 5020).


RESULTS
Both groups showed significant reduction in headache frequency and duration and tablet count after treatment phase. However, the reduction of study variables was persisted only in PRT group after follow up phase. There was no significant reduction in headache intensity, neither in PRT and nor in medication group. Sensitivity of trigger points was significantly reduced. In comparison of the two study groups, there was no significant difference in headache frequency, intensity, duration and tablet count (p> 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Both procedures were equally effective according to the study. Thus, PRT can be a treatment choice for patients with T.T.H.
Neurology Department, Faculty of Neurology Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Ali
A
Ghanbari
Abbas
A
Rahimijaberi
Marzieh
M
Mohamadi
Leila
L
Abbasi
Fahimeh Kamali
FK
Sarvestani
D000328:Adult; D019468:Disease Management; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D018781:Tension-Type Headache / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D061028:Trigger Points / Q000502:physiology*