The Effectiveness of Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique (Ergon�© Technique), Cupping and Ischaemic Pressure Techniques in the Treatment of Amateur Athletes�� Myofascial Trigger Points

¹Human Assesment and Rehabilitation Lab, Department of Physiotherapy, Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece, Greece

²Department of Physiotherapy, IASO General Hospital, Athens

³Clinical Practice Lab, Department of Physiotherapy, Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, Greece

*Corresponding Author:

Dr. Konstantinos Fousekis
Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece
Psaron 6, Egio 25100, Greece
Tel: +302810229000
Email: konfousekis@gmail.com

Received date: May 25, 2016; Accepted date: July 04, 2016; Published date: July 16, 2016

Citation: Fousekis K, Kounavi E, Doriadis S, Mylonas K, Kallistratos E, et al. (2016) The Effectiveness of Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique (Ergon^© Technique), Cupping and Ischaemic Pressure Techniques in the Treatment of Amateur Athletes΄ Myofascial Trigger Points . J Nov Physiother S3:009. doi:10.4172/2165-7025.S3-009

Copyright: © 2016 Fousekis K, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

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Abstract

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of a novel Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique (Ergon© Technique), cupping therapy, and ischaemic pressure technique in the treatment of active myofascial Trigger-points (MTrPs) at the low-back region of amateur soccer players. Design: Randomised controlled clinical trial. Methods: Seventy (70) amateur soccer players (age=24.76 ± 4.39; height=174.98 ± 8.31 cm; weight=73.26 ± 11.21 kg) were evaluated for the presence of active MTrPs in their low-back region and were randomly allocated to three subgroups. The first group (N=20) was treated with Εrgon-IASTM Technique©, the second (N=20) with a static application of cupping therapy and the third group (N=20) with ischaemic pressure. Ten (10) players received no treatment and served as controlsgroup. All athletes received one (1) therapeutic intervention per week for three (3) weeks. Outcome measures were MTrPs pain pressure threshold (PPT) and pain sensitivity (VAS). Results: All three therapeutic interventions led to a significant (p<0.05) reduction in MTrPs pain sensitivity and an increase in PPT at the end of the treatment compared with controls. The Εrgon©-IASTM Technique produced a significantly larger effect (p<0.05) in the reduction of pain and PPT during compression of MtrPs compared with cupping and ischaemic pressure technique. These therapeutic adaptations after Εrgon©-IASTM Technique application were evident even from the first treatment (p<0.05) and reinforced by the end of the third treatment (p<0.001). No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed between cupping and ischaemic pressure techniques for their impact on MTrPs. Conclusions: The Ergon©-IASTM technique can serve as a first treatment options for sports physiotherapists when they manage Low-back MTrPs in amateur athletes. More research is needed in order definite conclusion to be drawn regarding the effects of this novel therapeutic intervention on MTrPs.

Keywords

Myofascial trigger points; Ergon instrumment assisted soft-tissue mobilization technique; Cupping; Ischaemic compression technique

Introduction

Myofascial pain syndrome is defined as sensory, motor, and autonomic symptoms resulting from painful spots in the fascia surrounding skeletal muscle known as myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) [1,2]. MTrPs are associated with palpable nodules in taut bands of muscle fibers. Compression of these points may elicit a) motor dysfunction, b) local and referred tenderness, b) pain perceived at a different spot than the site of the painful stimulus (referred pain), c) transient contraction of the muscle (local twitch response) and d) autonomic phenomena. Diagnostic findings of MTrPs include severe ROM limitation, a palpable taut band with exquisitely tender nodule and familiar to patient pain elicited from pressure on painful Spots (jump sign) [3,4].

Etiology of myofascial pain is multifactorial including poor ergonomy and body biomechanics, acute or repetitive trauma, excessive or no exercise and vitamin deficiency [5,6]. Οther factors contributing to the development of MTrPs include psychosocial factors, such as high job pressure, psychological stress and anxiety [7,8]. MTrPs are thought to be involved in pain in tension headaches, low back pain syndromes; pelvic pain; and musculoskeletal pathologies such as bursitis, tendinopathies, and muscle strains [9,10].

MTrPs can be seen in the setting or athletic injury due to muscle asymmetries and imbalances, postural deficiencies, or secondary to repetitive injury and training overloading. Evidence to date reinforces the theory that MTrPs develop after muscular overuse and especially after eccentric overloading and submaximal-maximal concentric contractions [11,12]. A key factor is a localized ischemia, leading to the subsequent release of several inflammatory mediators in muscle tissue through a pH reduction [7]. Examples of the latter include MTrPs in quadratus lumbar in association with lumbar pathologies or gluteal trigger points in the presence of hip and pelvis overloading. More specifically, myofascial pain arising from trigger points in the low-back and gluteal region is a typical presentation in athletes who overload the hip area with shear forces like soccer players [13]. This type of myofascial pain may be local or referred and in the majority of the cases, is reproduced by the application of digital pressure to gluteal muscle trigger points [14].

Treatment of myofascial trigger points in non-athletic populations during the past has been based on invasive and noninvasive techniques. Invasive therapies include acupuncture, dry needling and injections [15]. Non-invasive techniques are osteopathic manual techniques, massage, stretching, application of heat and ice, TENS, ethyl chloride Spray and Stretch technique, ischemic pressure, cupping therapy, instrument-assisted soft tissue techniques (ΙΑSΤΜ) and a combination of them [16,17]. Nevertheless, the efficacy of the above methods is not clear since several researchers reported that many myofascial treatment techniques are poorly validated and not necessarily more effective than placebo [5,18]. It seems that the application of a noxious stimulus may be the key to obtaining improvements in pain sensation perception. Likewise, ischaemic pressure and dry needling, have shown benefits in releasing myofascial induced muscle spasm and aches [19,20].

Ischaemic compression using local application of sustained pressure over the MTrPs has been reported that reduces muscle spasm and therefore deactivates the MTrPs [21,22]. The benefits of ischemic compression that were described by several investigators have been attributed to several adaptations like a) separation of the actin-myosin cross fiber links, b) reflex vasodilation and subsequent flushing away of metabolites and substances that maintain muscle contraction and c) temporary suspension of the involuntary motor neuron activity. Lastly, it is also thought that the deep pressure also results in the release of endorphins which mask the perception of pain [21,22].

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization techniques (IASTM) and cupping therapy techniques are procedures rapidly growing in popularity amongst athletes due to their effectiveness and efficiency in treating soft tissue restrictions while remaining non-invasive. IASTM techniques use special stainless steel instruments that enable clinicians to locate efficiently and treat soft tissue dysfunctions, such as fibrosis, adhesions, chronic inflammation, or degeneration [23,24]. Benefits from IASTM use include increased fibroblast proliferation, reduction in scar tissue and adhesions, increased vascular response, and remodeling of disorganized collagen fiber matrix [25]. IASTM technique also has been found that it results in clinical benefits such as improvements in range of motion, strength and pain perception following treatment [26,27]. Despite extensive use of IASTM techniques research regarding its effect on myofascial pain reduction, is limited. Gulick reported that IASTM (Graston Technique) does not differ regarding effectiveness on upper back MTrPs release compared to the control group [28].

Cupping is a therapeutic method that utilizes a glass or plastic cup to create negative pressure on the skin over a painful area for muscle spasm and pain reduction. The mechanism of cupping therapy is not clear, but some researchers suggest that placement of cups on the skin produces hyperemia, fascial release, and local stretching. Nevertheless, its therapeutic effect has not been proven through valid randomized control studies [29].

Although myofascial pain arising from MTrPs is a common problem in athletes, effective treatment strategies still elude us. Only one study in 59 male runners from Huguenin et al. [30] showed that dry needling and placebo needling of the gluteal trigger points resulted in subjective improvement in activity related muscle pain and tightness but not in straight leg raise or hip internal rotation range of motion. Unfortunately, we have no data comparing results between effective techniques like ischaemic pressure and novel therapeutic techniques like IASTM and cupping techniques from which to draw clinical conclusions about their effectiveness in athletic populations.

The purpose of the present study was two-fold to examine the presence of MTrPs in the low back and gluteal region of amateur athletes, and to compare the effectiveness of IASTM, cupping and ischaemic pressure techniques in MTrPs treatment. The following null hypothesis was tested: no difference exists among groups of amateur athletesÎ? receiving ischemic pressure, IASTM and cupping therapy versus control treatment in reducing MTrPs pain pressure sensitivity and pain intensity.

Methods

The study took place during the three-month period from June to August 2015. Following approval from Research Ethical Committee of the School of Health Sciences of Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece, seventy (70) male amateur soccer athletes (Age=24.76 ± 4,39; height=174.98 ± 8.31 cm; weight=73.26 ± 11.21 kg) recruited from local soccer clubs, advertisements, and referral from private medical clinics. The eligibility criteria were: a) amateur soccer players, b) aged 18 to 30; c) approximately same training regime (2-3 training sessions per week), d) presence of active MTrPs identifiable by spot tenderness in a taut, muscular band of quadratus lumborum and gluteal muscles (Maximus-medius) of the dominant side.

Exclusion criteria were: a) injury to the low back and lower extremities over the last six months; (b) skin lesion, (c) infection or inflammatory edema at MTrPs site. All athletes were given a full musculoskeletal physiotherapy assessment by KF, an experienced sports physiotherapist with training in MTrPs identification. After this first assessment seventy (70) soccer players met inclusion criteria and included in the study.

All subjects informed about the goals of the survey and agreed to participate. Patients gave written informed consent and randomly allocated to four experimental subgroups: a) the ischaemic compression (IC-TrPs, N=20) group, which received sustained ischaemic pressure on the MTrPs, b) the IASTM group that received Ergon^© IASTM therapy to trigger points (IASTM-TrP, N=20), c) the group that received cupping therapy (C-TrP, N=20) or d) the control group (N=10). The three groups received three treatments over a three week period in total.

MTrPs evaluation

MTrPs were identified by palpation of taut muscle bands in the low back and gluteal region with the presence of a “jump sign” and referred pain when a firm pressure was applied. This task was performed by KF a licensed clinical physiotherapist with almost 20 years of clinical experience. Pressure sensitivity (in kg) of the MTrPs was assessed by a mechanical Algometer (Wagner Pain Test™ instrument - Model FPK/ FPN-Greenwich-USA) with a 1-cm diameter tip. Test-retest reliability of such equipment in assessing muscle function is reported to be relative high [31].

Interventions

Iscaemic pressure: The IP-TrPs group received ischemic compression treatment at the three MTrPs of the gluteal and low-bak region. For this therapeutic procedure, the athlete was lying prone with the cervical spine in a neutral position. The therapist (KF) applied gradually increasing pressure to the MTrPs with the tip of his thumb until the sensation of pressure became one of pressure and pain (Figure 1). At that moment, the pressure was maintained until the discomfort perceived by the patient eased by around 50%, at which time pressure was increased until pain appeared again. This process was repeated for 90’’ [3].

Figure 1: Ischaemic compression of lumbar MTrPs.

Instrumment-assisted soft tissue mobilization techniques (Ergon^© Technique)

The IASTM-TrPS group received particular instrument-assisted soft tissue technique called Ergon^© Iastm Technique on MTrPs [32]. Ergon^© Technique is an innovative therapeutic approach that combines static and dynamic manipulation of soft tissues with specific clinical tools (Ergon^© tools) aimed at treatment of myofascial dysfunctions. These techniques, when applied to specific areas of myofascial restrictions, can improve facial mobility and decrease muscle spasm and pain. For the application of Ergon^© Technique, the patient was lying prone on the couch [32]. The therapist applied four (4) Ergon^© strokes for two (2) minute on each MTrP with specific Ergon^© IASTM Tools. Ergon^© strokes used were a) the wave (Figure 2) b) the cyriax in star type of application (Figure 3) c) the m-cut stroke (Figure 4) d) the double stroke (Figure 5). The wave stroke involves linear facial applications, respectively, performed in all directions above and around the MtrPs. Cyriax-Star stroke is a therapeutic intervention applied just above the trigger point pain spot and with direction from the center to the periphery with the purpose of localized release and tissue stretching. M-cut stroke refers to a saw motion of IASTM tools which covers the entire area combining linear and vertical tools applications on soft tissue. The double-stroke technique involves the simultaneous use of two tools (Ergon^© tools I and II) in a procedure where one tool stabilizes the anatomical spot to allow the “compression” and “lifting” of the MTrPs from the other tool. Ergon^©IASTM techniques were applied by two researchers (KF and KM) which are Ergon^© Technique certified trainers.

Figure 2: Wave stroke over gluteal MTrPs (Ergon^© IASTM Technique).

Figure 3: Cyriax-star stroke over lumbar MTrPs (Ergon^©IASTM Technique).

Figure 4: M-cut stroke over gluteal MTrP (Ergon^© IASTM Technique).

Figure 5: Double stroke over lumbar MTrPs (Ergon© IASTM Technique).

Cupping

Cupping was performed by the study researcher (SD), who is trained in cupping and regularly performed cupping in his clinical practice. For cupping procedure patients were asked to lay prone on the massage couch. The cupping technique involved the static application of high-quality polycarbonate cupping jars (meridian cupping set, Durham-USA) on the three tTrPs for 5 minutes. Negative pressure inside cups was produced through a rubber pump which sucked the air out of the cups (Figure 6).

Figure 6: Cupping technique over lumbar MTrPs.

Evaluation

Ischaemic pressure technique: Primary outcome measures of the study were PPT and pain sensitivity. PPT of the primary MTrPs was measured in kg/cm², using a mechanical Algometer (Wagner Pain Test™ instrument-Model FPK/FPN-Greenwich-USA) with a 1-cm diameter tip. Pain intensity over the active MTrP evoked by a second application of 2.5 kg/cm² of pressure on the MTrP was measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS), where 0 (cm) was ‘least pain imaginable and 10 (cm) was ‘worst pain imaginable’, 'as proposed by Fernándezde- las-Peñas et al. [33]. These outcomes were assessed pre-and post treatment by an examiner blinded to a) the treatment allocation of the subject and b) the body side treated. Each athlete received three treatments (1/week) and six evaluations in total (pre and post each intervention).

Statistical method

Data were analyzed with SPSS version 11.5 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Ill, USA) and ensured for their normal distribution using numerical (Shapiro-Wilk Test) and graphical methods (Normal Q-Q Plots). Comparison of treatment effects of tested techniques was achieved using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) after Bonferonni corrections. Statistical significances were tested at α=0.05 probability level.

Results

Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) data before and after the implication of Cupping, Ergon^© IASTM and Ischaemic pressure technique for the treatment of MTrPs in athletes are presented in Table 1. Descriptive data showed that although there was no differentiation in the control group [1^st Measurement=7.94/3^rd measurement=7.66], PPT scores for both three treatment techniques increased from the 1^st till the 3^rd evaluation.

Table 1: Pain pressure threshold (PPT) and visual analogue scale (VAS) descriptive data before and after the implication of cupping, Ergon^© IASTM and Ischaemic pressure technique for the treatment of MTrPs in athletes.

One-way ANOVA testing revealed statistically significant differences (p <0.05) between the effects of treatments tested. More precisely, post-hoc comparisons showed a statistical significant PPT rise in the athletes received IASTM-ERGON treatment compared with those received cupping (Pre 2^nd evaluation: p=0.030, Post second evaluation: p=0.015), iscaemic pressure (Pre 2^nd evaluation: p=0.003, Post 2^nd evaluation: p=0.003) and controls (Pre 2^nd evaluation: p= 0.007 , Post 2^nd evaluation p=0.000 ) at the time pre ( p=0.009) and post (p=0.002) 2^nd application of techniques (Figure 7).

Figure 7: Pain Sensitivity threshold (PPT) scores during the 3 phases (pre-post) of interventions application.

This superiority of athletes receiving ERGON^© IASTM in PPT scores in comparison with athletes receiving Cupping and Iscaemic pressure was further reinforced pre (p<0.001) and post (p<0.001) the 3^rd application of therapeutic techniques.

PPT scores of athletes received cupping and ischemic pressure as a treatment of their MTrPs were almost identical (p>0.05) from the start till the end of the study. Nevertheless both of these techniques led to a significant increase in PPT scores after the 2^nd and 3^rd interventions compared with the control group (p<0.05).

The application of Ergon^© IASTM technique led to better results compared with other treatment methods in terms of pain sensitivity (VAS, Figure 8). Even after the 1^st treatment Ergon^© IASTM technique resulted in significant decrease in pain sensitivity compared with cupping technique (p=0.014).

Figure 8: Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores during the 3 phases (pre-post) of interventions application.

As for PPT scores, the pain sensitivity of MTrPs in athletes receiving Ergon^© IASTM was significant lower than those receiving the other two techniques (iscaemic/cupping) and controls at the evaluation pre- (p=0.001) and post(p=0.001) 2^nd application of the techniqes.

No significant differences (p>0.05) was observed for the effects of cupping compared with those of iscaemic pressure during the 3 phases of the study. Neverthelles, both of three therapeutic interventions (Ergon^© IASTM, Cupping, Ischaemic pressre) led to significant decrease (p<0.005) in MTrPs pain sensitivity compared with control group at the 2^nd and 3nd evaluation.

Discussion

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is presented with motor, sensory, and autonomic manifestations. Motor aspects of MTrPs may include disturbed muscle functional capacity regarding muscular weakness due to motor inhibition and restricted ROM due to muscular stiffness [34].

Sensory adaptations may include local tenderness and referral of pain to a distant anatomical site. MTrPs also are associated with peripheral sensitization and an increase in responsiveness of nociceptors. Signs of peripheral awareness are allodynia and hyperalgesia [34].

Several possible aetiological factors and mechanisms can lead to the development of MTrPs, including amongst others: a) myofascial overload with maximal/submaximal concentric or eccentric contractions, b) direct trauma c) low-level muscle contractions and d) uneven intramuscular pressure distribution.

Concentric and eccentric contractions inevitably lead to capillary constrictions, impaired blood flow, ischemia, and hypoxia. Hypoxia, which appears to be one of the most important precursors for the development of MTrPs in athletes contributes to the development of more muscle damage (a local acidic milieu) and sensitization of muscle nociceptors [7].

The findings of the present study reinforce previous theories about etiology of MTrPs as the vast majority of amateur athletes evaluated in the present study had active MTrPS in areas particularly strained with concentric and eccentric contractions as the lower back and gluteal regions. More precisely 88% of athletes evaluated for inclusion in the study had active quadratus lumborum MTrPs and 99% of them had gluteal MTrPs and included in the survey.

Al three therapeutical techniques (Ergon^© IASTM, Cupping, and ischaemic pressure technique) evaluated in the study increased pain pressure threshold (PPT) and decreased pain sensitivity (VAS) of myofascial TrPs at the low back and hip region of amateur soccer players compared with controls. These positive adaptations were evident even at the time of one week after the initial application of techniques implicating that a single bout of therapy is by far better than doing nothing for MTrPS. These findings were in agreement with those reported from several studies evaluating the effect of ischaemic pressure as a treatment of MTrPs [35-37]. The positive effect of Ischaemic pressure in alleviating symptoms of TrPs can be attributed to ischemia and hyperemia that follows. Local ischemia is connected to a lowered pH and a subsequent release of several inflammatory mediators in muscle tissue while hyperemia can contribute to clearance of the muscle from the derivatives of inflammation and pain metabolites and thus desensitize nerve endings [36,37]. Cupping therapy, although not studied efficiently, seems that it also has a critical impact on myofascial MTrPs treatment that can also be attributed to tissue stretching and hyperemia provoked by their application on the body [38].

The Ergon^© IASTM technique used in this study was proved superior in decreasing myofascial pain originated from lumbar and gluteal MTrPs in amateur athletes comparatively with ischaemic pressure and cupping therapy. The athletes reported better results even after the 1^st application of Ergon^© IASTM technique in comparison with the other methods and this gain in pain sensitivity and PPT was reinforced after the next two applications. Disabling myofascial pain after IASTM application can be theoretically attributed to three main mechanisms that have been reported in the literature: a) local temperature and blood flow increase, b) localized tissue manipulation and stretch and c) reduction of fascial adhesions and restrictions. IASTM techniques have been reported that effectively affects the fascial system of the human body treating fascial adhesions and constraints. These “adhesions” can affect the muscular functions, reduce blood flow and nutrition of tissues, and can lead to the development of myofascial MTrPs. The blood-flow theory is lately supported by the findings of Portillo-Soto et al. [39] in a study aiming at evaluating the effects of the IASTM (Graston ^© Technique) and massage therapy on calf blood flow, using skin temperature measures. The researchers reported that massage and IASTM techniques increased skin temperature and thus local circulation significantly in twenty-eight participants. Furthermore, the researchers showed that the peak temperature was achieved at 25 minutes after treatment indicating that the therapeutic effects of IASTM therapy remain in the place for several minutes after the end of the treatment. Findings of the present study are in disagreement with those of Gulick [28] reporting no effect of Graston IASTM technique in the therapy of upper-back MTrPS compared with control group. These differences can be explained by the types of IASTM techniques applied as well from methodological issues (type and time of application). The Ergon^© IASTM technique used in this study is a more aggressive technique and with different application strokes than Graston^© Technique. Furthermore, the selected Ergon^© IASTM strokes were applied directly over the each MTrPS unlike Graston IASTM maneuvers chosen by Gulick [28] which were implemented in a more general fashion. The time of application also was different as each Ergon^© IASTM stroke was applied for 3 minutes continuously on the MTrPS while the Graston^© IASTM strokes were applied consistently for one minute in the study of Gullic [28].

The main limitations of the present study include deficits in participants selection technique as well as methodological issues. All study participants were athletes of local amateur soccer clubs, and their selection was not based on random sampling. Also, the evaluation of the effect of therapeutic techniques in the treatment of MTrPs was based only on the assessment of the sense of pain and pressure pain threshold. Other possible critical adjustments to the functional capacity of athletes from the existence of trigger points as negative adaptations in joint range of motion, strength and neuromuscular control were not evaluated in this study. Moreover, the evaluation of the impact of therapeutic applications had short-term character and was limited to three (3) weeks that lasted the research. Another significant methodological issue that has been recognized as a possible source of measurement errors is the amount of pressure exerted through algometer as maintaining a constant pressure rate reported as the most challenging aspect of algometer [40,41].

An ideal study evaluating the effect of various techniques on the reduction of adverse effects of MTrPs should assess the therapeutic effect of applied techniques in all the aspects of the functional capacity of athletes and must have long-term evaluation and re-evaluation planning. However, the present study is innovative as it assessed comparatively the effect of two novel therapeutic applications such as the Ergon^© IASTM and cupping technique alongside with ischemic pressure method for which there is moderate evidence that positively contributes to MTrPs symptoms reduce. Moreover, the present study also assessed MTrPs in lumbar and hip region, which are areas that have been poorly studied.

Conclusions

MTrPs evaluation and treatment is a challenging condition for both the sports physical therapists and athletes. Ergon^© IASTM, cupping, and ischemic pressure techniques are effective, but not comparable, in reducing tenderness of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). Ergon^© IASTM technique seem to has significantly better results in reducing the adverse effects of MTrPs than both other two techniques as its application resulted in a meaningful statistical improvement of pain symptoms. The findings of the present study should be confirmed by future trials with better methodological designs so as to draw definitive conclusions.

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