Abstract

Introduction: musculoskeletal pain is one of the main causes of morbidity in the general population, shoulder pain being one of the most frequent reasons for medical consultation in primary care. The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate the effects of different therapies on range of motion and pain in patients with nonspecific shoulder pain. Material and method: there were 42 subjects who were included in the study, of which 36 were randomized to three groups: a group that received a treatment with myofascial therapy in the paravertebral musculature and the affected upper limb (n = 12), a mobilization group (n = 12) and a control group that received an exercise plan (n = 12). The measurements were taken before, immediately after the treatment, and after one week. The range of active motion was measured for flexion, abduction and internal and external rotation. Pain was measured by the McGill questionnaire, algometry at a proximal and distal trigger point, and by the visual analogic scale. Results: the treatment group with myofascial therapy showed significant improvement (p < 0.005) in the range of motion compared to other groups in abduction and internal and external rotation to one week´s of the treatment. The massage reduced the pain according to the visual analogic scale, proximal algometry and to the McGill questionnaire. Conclusion: the intensity of myofascial techniques is an important factor in the effect produced in tissue mechanosensitivity, perception of pain and range of motion