THE EFFICACY OF MECHANOTHERAPY FOR MUSCLE PAIN SYNDROME

Abstract

Aim. This study investigates the efficacy of mechanotherapy using Cordus&Sacrus devices for inducing paravertebral muscle relaxation. Materials and methods. The study involved thirty patients (age range 25–45 years) with various muscle pain syndromes. The intervention consisted of gravity therapy. Objective outcomes were assessed using the MyotonPro device to measure asymmetry in the paraspinal muscles. Postural balance was also evaluated. Results. Post-intervention, a significant reduction in muscle tone asymmetry was observed. The asymmetry between the right (15.69 ± 0.17 Hz) and left (15.71 ± 0.14 Hz) medial trapezius muscles was notably decreased. A similar decrease in asymmetry was found in the lateral gastrocnemius muscle. The normalization of postural balance in these muscle groups coincided with a significant reduction in pain scores, with the mean VAS scores decreasing from 7.8 ± 0.7 to 3.2 ± 0.5. In a subgroup of 10 participants with elevated baseline tone, specific relaxation of the spinal erectors was observed. Within the same subgroup, initially elevated stiffness and tone significantly decreased (p > 0.05) bilaterally post-intervention. Conclusion. A single session of gravity therapy was effective in eliminating pain, redu­cing asymmetry in paravertebral and lower limb muscle tone, and alleviating hypertonicity of the spinal extensors. These changes were associated with improved statodynamic characteristics in patients.