Effects of Manual Therapy With TECAR in Woman With Chronic Neck Pain

The aim of our clinical study is to investigate the efficacy of combining a program of manual techniques for the treatment of chronic neck pain with the simultaneous application of TECAR through the use of two special anti-static electrode bracelets. 80 women with trigger points in the neck muscles and neck pain symptoms for more than 12 weeks will be randomly divided into two groups. In the first group, the combined treatment of manual techniques with two TECAR anti-static electrode bracelets will be applied, while in the second group, the same protocol will be applied without the electrode bracelets. All participants will undergo a total of 15 treatments over five weeks with a follow-up after six months. Pain with the numbered pain scale (PNS pain), pain threshold of the upper part of the trapezius muscle, the sternocleidomastoid, the levator scapulae, and the splenius capitis with a digital algometer, range of motion of the neck with a goniometer and functional ability with the "Neck Disability Index" questionnaire will be assessed before and after treatment period with a follow-up six months later. For the statistical analysis of the results, a two-factor analysis of variance with repeated measurements will be applied, while the statistical significance index will be set at p < .05

Inclusion Criteria:Women with chronic neck pain with a duration of symptoms for at least three monthsExistence of at least one active or latent trigger point in any of the muscles: levator scapulae, upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, splenius capitisWritten consent to participate in the studyExclusion Criteria:Participation in any kind of treatment during the past 3 months (e.g., physiotherapy, massage, local injections of anesthetic blocks)Background of neck trauma and/or surgery in the neck regionImplanted pacemakersPregnancyCancerSystemic musculoskeletal diseases, diagnosed neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson's), epilepsy, and history of psychiatric disorders