Abstract

PURPOSE: Tension type headache (TTH) is one of the most prevalent types of headache. TTH is classified as episodic if it occurs on less than 15 days a month and as chronic if it occurs more often. Tension, anxiety and depression are some etiological factors for TTH which leads to work efficiency reduction. Today the interest in non-pharmacological methods is increasing; massage is one of these approaches which has no side effects. Aim of this study was to investigate the effects of neck Myofascial Release (MFR) techniques and exercise therapy on pain intensity and disability in patients with chronic tension-type headache.

METHODS: This randomized clinical trial study was investigated on 30 females suffering from TTH. Participants were randomly assigned into two equal groups (n=15). The MFR group received neck MFR massage and exercise therapy four times a week for 3 weeks, each session lasting 45 minutes. Control group had no intervention. Outcomes were headache intensity and disability measured by numerical rating scale (NRS) and headache disability index (HDI), respectively. Data was analysed through independent and pair t-test.

RESULTS: Between group comparison showed significant improvement of headache intensity and disability rate in MFR group (p<0.05) than control group (p=0.000).

DISCUSSION: This study provides evidences that MFR technique and exercise therapy have significant effect on patients with TTH.

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