European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE VERSUS CONVENTIONAL THERAPY ON PERISCAPULAR AND UPPER BACK PAIN AMONG POSTPARTUM WOMEN

*Jasmeen Kaur, Dr. Varinder Kaur (PT)

ABSTRACT

Background: Postpartum women frequently experience periscapular and upper back pain due to prolonged faulty posture during breastfeeding, infant handling, hormonal changes, and muscular imbalance. These musculoskeletal dysfunctions may negatively affect functional activities and quality of life. Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a manual therapy approach used to reduce muscle tightness, improve mobility, and restore normal muscle function. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of MET on periscapular and upper back pain along with functional disability and quality of life among postpartum women. Methods: A total of 56 postpartum women aged 20-40 years with periscapular and upper back pain were recruited and randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A received MET, while Group B received conventional management, including ergonomic counseling and posture education, with 28 participants in each group. Outcome measures included NPRS, NDI, SPADI, and MAPP-QOL. Both groups received treatment sessions 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in NPRS, NDI, SPADI, and MAPP-QOL following intervention (p < 0.001). However, Group A showed greater improvement in pain reduction, shoulder function, and functional disability compared to the control group. Conclusion: The Muscle Energy Technique (MET) was effective in reducing periscapular and upper back pain along with improving functional ability and quality of life among postpartum women. MET may be considered an effective physiotherapy intervention for postpartum musculoskeletal dysfunction.

Keywords: Postpartum women, Muscle energy technique, periscapular pain, Upper back pain, Quality of life, Physiotherapy.