| Effects of Graston Technique Versus Neuromuscular Re-education with Stretching and Strengthening Exercises in Females with Cervicogenic Headache: A Randomized Controlled Trial |
| Paper ID : 1033-ISCSR3 (R1) |
| Authors |
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Mohammad Hussain Al-Maharmeh *1, Ahmed S Ali2, Shakeel Ahmad Ahmad3 18th level physical therapy student 2Ahmed S. Ali Department of Physical Therapy and Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Al-Qurayyat, Saudi Arabia. Department of Physical Therapy for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt 3Department of Physical Therapy and Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Al-Qurayyat, Saudi Arabia |
| Abstract |
| Effects of Graston Technique Versus Neuromuscular Re-education with Stretching and Strengthening Exercises in Females with Cervicogenic Headache: A Randomized Controlled Trial Background: Cervicogenic headache (CGH) arises from dysfunction in the cervical spine and is more common in females. It often presents with neck pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion (ROM). Graston technique (GT) and neuromuscular re-education (NMR), combined with stretching and strengthening exercises, are common approaches to rehabilitation sitting for cervicogenic headaches. The Graston technique is an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) that promotes healing and tissue mobility, while NMR focuses on restoring proper neuromuscular control. Both approaches lack sufficient comparative research on the effectiveness of treating CGH in females. Objective: The study aimed to compare the effects of IASTM using the Graston technique versus neuromuscular re-education combined with stretching and strengthening exercises in females with cervicogenic headaches. Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 30 females diagnosed with CGH. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one receiving NMR with stretching and strengthening exercises, and the other treated with the Graston technique alongside the same exercises. Each participant received 12 treatment sessions. Primary outcomes included pain (NPRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), headache-related disability (HDI), and cervical ROM, assessed before and after the intervention. Results: Both groups showed improvements in NPRS, NDI, HDI, and ROM values following treatment. However, the group treated with the Graston tool demonstrated significantly greater improvements in pain, functional status, and range of motion (ROM) compared to the NMR group, with the differences reaching statistical significance (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The using of Graston Technique has shown greater efficacy in the management of cervicogenic headaches when compared to traditional Neuromuscular Re-education soft tissue mobilization. It led to greater pain relief, improved functional status, and enhanced cervical ROM. |
| Keywords |
| Keywords: Cervicogenic headache, Graston Technique, Neuromuscular Re-education, Stretching, Strengthening. |
| Status: Abstract Accepted |