The Immediate Effects of Combined Post-Isometric Relaxation and Massage on Neck Pain in Hospital Employees

Introduction

Neck pain is a very common problem, especially among healthcare workers who often perform repetitive tasks, maintain prolonged postures, or experience high levels of stress. These occupational demands contribute to the development of muscle tension, restricted mobility, and chronic pain. Finding effective, quick-acting treatments is important to help this population maintain their health and job performance. This article reviews a recent clinical trial that investigated the immediate effects of combining post-isometric relaxation with massage therapy for neck pain in hospital employees.S

A study from Turkey evaluated whether adding post-isometric relaxation techniques to massage would result in better immediate improvements in: Pain intensity, Pain threshold , and Cervical joint range of motion.

Study Design

The study was a randomized controlled trial involving 30 male and female hospital workers, aged 20 to 45 years. All participants had been experiencing neck pain for at least six months, and neck pain was their primary complaint. The participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups:

1. Massage Group (Control Group): Received a single session of classical massage applied to the cervical and upper thoracic regions.
2. Post-Isometric Relaxation Group: Received a combination of classical massage and post-isometric relaxation techniques. In this group, post-isometric relaxation was applied to specific muscles that often contribute to neck pain, including: Supraspinatus , Upper trapezius , Scalene , and Levator scapulae .

For the post-isometric relaxation technique, each muscle was treated with ten repetitions of the technique during the session.Measurements

The following assessments were conducted immediately before and after the treatment:

• Pain severity (self-reported by the patient)
• Pain threshold (the amount of pressure that causes pain)
• Cervical range of motion (flexibility and mobility of the neck joints)

Results

Both groups showed improvement in pain severity, pain threshold, and range of motion after the treatment. However, the group that received the combination of massage and post-isometric relaxation showed significantly greater improvements across all measures when compared to the group that received massage alone. The differences were statistically significant.

Clinical Implications

For therapists working with patients who suffer from non-specific neck pain, particularly healthcare workers, this study highlights the value of combining post-isometric relaxation techniques with traditional massage. The addition of post-isometric relaxation may:

• More effectively reduce pain intensity
• Increase the pain threshold (allowing the person to tolerate more pressure without discomfort)
• Improve neck mobility more quickly

These immediate effects can be especially helpful in clinical settings where patients need fast symptom relief to return to their work duties.

Conclusion

This study supports the use of post-isometric relaxation as a useful addition to massage therapy for treating non-specific neck pain. By targeting specific muscles involved in cervical discomfort, therapists may achieve faster and more significant improvements for their patients.

Key Takeaway for Therapists:
If you are treating clients with chronic or work-related neck pain, consider integrating post-isometric relaxation techniques into your session. This combination can deliver immediate benefits that enhance your overall treatment outcomes.