Abstract
Background/ problem: Teachers are often at risk of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) in the upper trapezius muscle. This condition is characterized by pain in the neck muscles caused by trigger points in tense muscles. MPS usually arises due to excessive muscle workload, resulting in tension and pain in the affected area. Studies have shown that individuals between the ages of 27 and 50 are particularly prone to this disorder, with women being more affected (54%) compared to men (45%)
Objective/ purpose: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of Myofascial Release on the upper trapezius in relieving pain and improving overall neck function in a group of teachers aged 30-60 years at SMPN 41 Bekasi City.
Design and Methodology: This research uses a quasiexperimental design, specifically a pre-experimental method with a one-group pre-test and post-test format. The study involved 19 respondents and was conducted over 2 weeks, during which myofascial release therapy was administered for 5 minutes.
Results: The results of the paired sample t-test showed a p-value of 0.000 (<0.05), indicating a significant effect of myofascial release on myofascial pain syndrome in the upper trapezius muscle among teachers aged 30-60 years at SMPN 41 Bekasi City in 2024.
Conclusion and Implications: Myofascial release therapy has proven effective in reducing neck pain and improving neck functional ability in teachers at SMPN 41 Bekasi City.