Dry Cupping Therapy and Muscle Energy Technique on Upper Crossed Syndrome

Experimental: Group A (Combined group)

Group A (Combined group): This group of nineteen subjects received combined dry cupping therapy, Muscle energy techniques, and conventional physical therapy.

Procedimento: combined therapy teatment

19 subjects received combined dry cupping therapy, Muscle energy technique, and conventional physical therapy for eight weeks.

1. Dry cupping was applied to the regional hypertonic target sites. Standard plastic cups ranging from 25 to 50 mm were placed directly over each subject's levator scapulae trigger point (SI-14) and upper trapezius trigger point (GB-21) bilaterally. The treatment duration was set at exactly 8 minutes per session.
2. Muscle Energy Technique The Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) manual protocol targeted the hypertonic muscles of the upper crossed syndrome quadrant, including the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, scalenes, and suboccipital groups. Participants were placed in a supine position on the treatment table with their head free from the edge of the plinth, supported by the physical therapist.
3. conventional physical therapy treatment

Experimental: Group B (Cupping group)

Group B (Cupping group): This group of nineteen subjects received dry cupping therapy and conventional physical therapy.

Procedimento: cupping therapy group

19 subjects received combined dry cupping therapy and conventional physical therapy for eight weeks.

1. Dry cupping was applied to the regional hypertonic target sites. Standard plastic cups ranging from 25 to 50 mm were placed directly over each subject's levator scapulae trigger point (SI-14) and upper trapezius trigger point (GB-21) bilaterally. The treatment duration was set at exactly 8 minutes per session.
2. conventional physical therapy treatment

Experimental: Group C (MET group)

Group C (MET group): This group of nineteen subjects received Muscle energy techniques and conventional physical therapy.

Procedimento: muscle energy techniques group

19 subjects received combined Muscle energy technique, and conventional physical therapy for eight weeks.

1. Muscle Energy Technique The Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) manual protocol targeted the hypertonic muscles of the upper crossed syndrome quadrant, including the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, scalenes, and suboccipital groups. Participants were placed in a supine position on the treatment table with their head free from the edge of the plinth, supported by the physical therapist.
2. conventional physical therapy treatment

Comparador Ativo: Group D (Control group)

Group D (Control group): This group of nineteen subjects received conventional physical therapy alone

Procedimento: control group

19 subjects received only conventional physical therapy for eight weeks.

Neck Disability Index (NDI)

Perceived functional limitations resulting from regional impairment were measured using the validated Arabic version of the NDI questionnaire. This instrument evaluates 10 clinical sections (including activities of daily living, concentration, and pain profiles) scored from 0 to 5 per item, yielding a cumulative score out of 50. Higher aggregate indices represent greater functional disability.

craniovertebral angle (CVA)

This biomechanical index reflects the architectural severity of forward head posture. It is defined as the angle formed between a horizontal line drawn through the spinous process of C7 and an intersecting line extending from the tragus of the ear to the C7 landmark. CVA was measured using precision digital photogrammetry via the Kinovea software application.

Sagittal Shoulder-C7 Angle (SSA)

This geometric marker quantifies shoulder roundedness and anterior protraction. It is formed by the intersection of a horizontal reference line passing through the lateral aspect of the acromion with a line drawn from the C7 spinous process to the lateral acromion. SSA was measured using precision digital photogrammetry via the Kinovea software application.