Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of the self-ischemic compression by using a T-shaped wood stick and followed by sustained stretching on pain and quality of life in participants with upper trapezius myofascial trigger point (MTrP).

Study design: Single blinded randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Outpatient rehabilitation clinic at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand.

Subjects: Forty-eight participants (9 males, 39 females), aged 18-55 years old, with moderate pain of unilateral or bilateral upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome.

Methods: The participants were randomized into two groups. The intervention group received the T-shaped wood stick to perform self-ischemic compression on MTrP followed by sustained stretching, whereas the controlled group was instructed to do sustained stretching. Both groups were asked to perform according to the instruction twice a day for 5 days. The outcomes were assessed before treatment and followed-up on day 8. A visual analog scale as the primary outcome, and pain pressure threshold were used to assess pain intensity. Active cervical

lateral flexion range of motion, and the Thai-version of neck disability index was used to measure the quality of life.

Results: There was statistically significant improvement of visual analog scale between groups but no statistically changes in pain pressure threshold and the Thai-version of neck disability

index were observed.

Conclusion: Self-ischemic compression with a T-shaped wood stick followed by sustained stretching showed short-term improvement of pain intensity in chronic upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome with moderate pain.