Description

Forward head posture is defined by excessive extension at upper cervical spine(C1-C3) and flexion at lower cervical spine (C4-C7) that increases cranial rotation angle and decreases craniovertebral angle (CVA) because of the altered relative position of the head with respect to the line of gravity. The bubble inclinometer is a gravity-based tool used to measure the cervical range of motion and to assess SCM muscle length. FHP also leads to muscles imbalance and SCM tightness as well. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) are most frequently used to quantify pain intensity and NDI for neck disability.

A RCT study compare the effects of IC and SCS in patients with upper trapezius trigger points. For four weeks, the therapy was given three days a week. As an outcome indicator, the NPRS, NDI, and cervical lateral flexion were used. The outcome measures were evaluated at baseline, after the second week, and after the fourth week: The ischemic compression and strain counterstrain intervention, which lasted for four weeks, significantly improved cervical range of motion, reduced pain intensity, and reduced cervical disability. However, the intergroup comparison revealed that both interventions were equally effective, and none of them outperformed the others.

Most of the studies compared digital ischemic compression as a common treatment with dry needling or other soft tissue mobilizations specially to treat trapezius trigger points but there are few studies specifically investigating comparative effects of Manual Ischemic Compression with and without Strain Counterstrain for management purpose of muscle tightness in individuals with FHP. While various treatment options exist for FHP, limited research directly compares the comparative outcomes of Strain Counterstrain and Ischemic Compression techniques. Due to lack of comparative evidence regarding the efficacy of these specific interventions, there is a need to bridge this gap by investigating and comparing the effectiveness of these interventions by using highly reliable and valid outcome measures in order to provide healthcare professionals and individuals with evidence-based guidance for optimal FHP management and SCM tightness.