Effect of Myofascial Release Technique In Patients With Unilateral Cervical Radiculopathy

The aim of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of myofascial release technique on pain, range of motion, muscle strength, functionality and quality of life in individuals diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy with unilateral arm involvement and compare this with exercise. The individuals included in the study will be randomized into two groups, 17 control and 17 study groups. Sessions will be 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Conventional physiotherapy and exercise program will be applied to the control group, conventional physiotherapy and myofascial release technique will be applied in the intervention group. Conventional physiotherapy methods; It will include Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), Ultrasound (US), hotpack agents. Exercise program; extension, right and left lateral flexion, right and left rotation exercises, chin-tuck, right and left upper trapezius muscle group stretching, neck extensor muscle group isometric strengthening exercises. Myofascial release will be applied to the fingers, wrist flexor-extensor muscle groups, elbow flexor-extensor muscle groups, pectoral muscles and rotator cuff muscle groups. Patients will be evaluated before and after treatment with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Goniometric measurements, algometer, myometer, Neck Disability Scale, "Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand" Questionnaire (DASH).

Cervical Radiculopathy, Cervical Radicular Pain, Cervical; Hernia, Cervical Disc Disease, Cervical Disc Herniation, Pain

Intervention group, who received conventional therapy and myofascial release therapy.All participants will be given conventional treatment 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Conventional treatment will include 20 minutes hotpack, 5 minutes ultrasound, 20 minutes Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation. In the intervention group, the myofascial release technique will be applied to the wrist flexors and extensors, elbow flexors and extensors, pectoralis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, trapezius muscles, starting from the fingers after the conventional treatment, 3 days a week for 4 weeks.

The control group will consist of patients who received conventional therapy and exercise therapy. All participants will be given conventional treatment 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Conventional treatment will include 20 minutes hotpack, 5 minutes ultrasound, 20 minutes Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation. After conventional treatment, a program consisting of neck extension, lateral flexion and rotation range of motion, stretching of the trapezius muscles and strengthening of the neck extensor muscles will be applied to the control group in the presence of a physiotherapist 3 days a week for 4 weeks.

Myofascial release focuses on reducing pain by easing the tension and tightness in the trigger points. Therapist will gently massage the myofascia and feel for stiff or tightened areas. Normal myofascia should feel pliable and elastic. The therapist will begin massaging and stretching the areas that feel rigid with light manual pressure. The therapist then aids the tissue and supportive sheath in releasing pressure and tightness. The process is repeated multiple times on the same trigger point and on other trigger points until the therapist feels the tension is fully released.

Exercise is recommended by physical therapists for most cervical radiculopathy patients. In this study, a customized exercise program will be applied for patients with cervical radiculopathy.

It is a device used to evaluate the sensitivity to pain and to determine the perception of pressure. The pressure algometer has proven useful in evaluating fibrositis and hypersensitive spots, trigger points, arthritis activation, and visceral pain-pressure sensitivity.

Hand myometer is a means of expressing force quantitatively. It is preferred over other dynamometers because of its ease of use and portability.

Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is used to convert some values that cannot be measured numerically into digital. Two end definitions of the parameter to be evaluated are written on both ends of a 100 mm line and the patient is asked to indicate where his / her condition is appropriate by drawing a line or by placing a dot or marking.

It is a test consisting of ten parts that determines to what extent neck pain affects daily life activities. The questions are of a nature that includes the intensity of pain and the effect of pain on occupational and social activity and its relationship with emotional factors. 10 cm visual analogue scale (VAS) is used for each question. High scores indicate the severity of the disease.

This questionnaire evaluates the disability and activity limitations resulting from upper extremity injury, as well as the restriction of leisure activities and work participation. The DASH questionnaire consists of three parts. According to the survey results; A result of 0-100 is obtained from each section. (0 = no apology, 100 = maximum apology).

Inclusion Criteria: Getting a diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy Unilateral upper extremity symptoms at least for a month The diagnosis is confirmed by the medical board report Being between the ages of 30-65 Voluntary acceptance to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: Previous cervical surgery Previous cervical trauma Have had myofascial therapy or conventional therapy for cervical radiculopathy Long-term use of corticosteroids Congenital torticollis history Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for long time Migraine Cancer Tumor Osteoporosis Pregnancy