Clinical Research Directory

The experimental group will receive low-energy laser acupuncture therapy. The laser will deliver 1.3 joules (approximately 13 joules per square centimeter) per point at 100 percent output in continuous mode, applied with vertical contact and slight pressure for 40 seconds per point. Four acupuncture points will be treated bilaterally according to published protocols: Gallbladder 14 and Gallbladder 20 as local head points, and Large Intestine 4 and Lung 7 as distal points on the hand and forearm. Both therapist and patient will wear protective goggles during treatment for safety.

All participant in both groups will receive myofascial release technique for 6 weeks. Soft tissue and trigger point release techniques will be applied on the muscles/fascia reproducing the patient's symptoms (the occipitalis, suboccipitalis, splenius, sternocleidomastoid, and trapezius). Various myofascial techniques will employed such as effleurage, deep friction massage, ischemic compression and muscle energy techniques.