A Comparative Study on the Effects of One Session of the First Immediate Release Myofascial (F.I.R.M.) Method Versus One Session of the Standard Rehabilitation Method for Myofascial Pain Syndrome on the Third Year FEU-NRMF Medical Students with MPS.

Includes bibliographical references.

Abstract: Myofascial Pain Syndrome is a Musculoskeletal pain originating from a trigger point with a taut band of skeletal muscle or muscle fascia. The affected muscles present with a limitation of stretch length or muscle tightness, and a local twitch response on palpation. This condition though very prevalent especially among people with a high level of stress, remains one of the commonly under-diagnosed diseases due to the variability of symptoms and differences with personal activity and pain thresholds. The properties of the study decided to embark in this undertaking in order to determine if there is a different between treating patients with the standard rehabilitation method and treating patient with the presently developed F.I.R.M. method. The test group subjects were 3rd year 2nd semester medical students from the FEU-NRMF IM who were identified by the research group as MPS patients, and who were willing to participate in the program. Those with the standard method were subjected to one session involving stretching, massage, use of hot packs and trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Those subjected to the F.I.R.M. method underwent a series of muscle manipulations. Parameters observed for were pain perception and range of motion. Test group subjects were assessed before and after treatment, and reassessed by days later. Test results were then translated and tested using the Tradition method, Friedman`s curve, and the ANOVA method to establish any differences results indicated differences in the parameters tested using the two methods. In summary, base on the results obtained. The effects of the F.I.R.M method on pain perception versus the standard method were clinically significant but not statistically significant. The effects of the F.I.R.M method on the range of motion, however were both clinically and statistically significant when compared to the effects of the standard method.

Thesis - Department of Medicine