Effects of Strain Counterstrain Versus Post Isometric Relaxation on Pain, Headache Frequency, and Quality of Life in Females With Cervicogenic Headache.

Cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache disorder associated with dysfunction of the cervical spine and surrounding muscles. It may cause neck pain, muscle tenderness, recurrent headaches, and limitations in daily activities, ultimately affecting quality of life. The study aimed to determine whether Strain Counterstrain (SCS) or Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) produces better outcomes in reducing pain intensity, decreasing headache frequency, and improving headache-related quality of life. A randomized clinical trial was conducted in the Physiotherapy Department of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, involving 34 female participants who were randomly allocated into two equal groups of 17 participants each. Group A received Strain Counterstrain, while Group B received Post-Isometric Relaxation. Strain Counterstrain is a passive manual therapy technique in which the therapist positions the affected cervical tissues in a comfortable position to reduce tenderness and abnormal muscle activity. Participants were assessed using three outcome measures: the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) to measure pain intensity, a Headache Frequency Diary to record headache episodes, and the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) to assess the effect of headaches on daily functioning and quality of life. Assessments were conducted at baseline, after six weeks, and at twelve weeks, as reported in the results section. The study aimed to determine whether Strain Counterstrain (SCS) or Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) produces better outcomes in reducing pain intensity, decreasing headache frequency, and improving headache-related quality of life.