Comparative effects of Bowen therapy and tennis ball technique on pain and functional disability in patients with thoracic myofascial pain syndrome.

Background: Thoracic myofascial pain syndrome is a clinical problem arising from the muscles and soft tissues of thoracic region, which include the mid and upper back area. Risk factors associated with myofascial pain syndrome are muscle overuse and repetitive strain, poor posture, trauma or injury, emotional and psychological stresses. The management of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) typically involves a multidimensional approach that focuses on relieving pain, reducing muscle tension, and improving muscle function. Bowen therapy and tennis ball technique are also recommended for treating myofascial pain syndrome.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effects of Bowen therapy and tennis ball technique on pain and functional disability in patients with thoracic myofascial pain syndrome.

Methods: It was a randomized clinical trial conducted on thirty patients. It was carried out in physiotherapy outpatient department of D.H.Q Hospital, Kasur. Non-probability convenience sampling technique was used. Data collection was done from the patients of thoracic myofascial pain syndrome by using Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain and Pain Disability Questionnaire (PDQ) for functional disability. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups using computer generated random number method. Group A received Bowen therapy, and group B received tennis ball technique. Outcome measures were measured at baseline, after second week treatment session and after fourth week with three sessions in a week on alternate days. Data analysis was done by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.

Results: There was significant difference between the mean values of NPRS and PDQ in both groups at baseline, second week and fourth week with p value < 0.05. The results indicated that both treatments were significant but Bowen therapy is more effective treatment than tennis ball technique. Within-group difference calculated with repeated-measure ANOVA indicated that there was significant difference from pre- to post-values of both groups.

Conclusion: This study concluded that Bowen therapy produced statistically significant and clinically relavant results for all the outcome measures.

Trial Registration: (IRCT20190717044238N7).