Abstract: Background: Postpartum women commonly experience upper back and periscapular pain due to hormonal changes, muscle weakness, and prolonged faulty postures during breastfeeding and infant care, leading to postural deviations, functional limitations, and reduced quality of life. However, evidence regarding the effectiveness of structured physiotherapy interventions such as GPR and MET in this population remains limited.
Objective: To determine the impact of Global Postural Re-education (GPR), Muscle Energy Technique (MET), and conventional therapy on pain, posture, functional ability, and quality of life in postpartum women with upper back and periscapular pain.
Methods: A total of 84 females aged 20 – 40 years with postpartum duration of 6 weeks to 12 months were selected using convenient sampling method. Participants were randomly divided into three groups; Group A received GPR, Group B received MET, and Group C received conventional management, including ergonomic counseling and posture education, with 28 participants each. Outcome measures included NPRS, MAPP-QOL, NDI, SPADI, and CVA. All groups received treatment sessions 3 times per week for a duration of 4 weeks.
Results: All three groups showed significant improvement in NPRS, MAPP-QOL, NDI, SPADI, and CVA after interventions (p < 0.001). Between-group analysis showed no significant differences in pain and quality of life outcomes. However, significant differences were observed in disability, shoulder function, and postural alignment (p < 0.001), with Group A demonstrating greater improvement.
Conclusion: All three interventions were effective in managing postpartum upper back and periscapular pain. However, GPR was more beneficial in improving functional ability and postural alignment.
Keywords: Postpartum women, Upper back pain, periscapular pain, Muscle energy technique, Global postural re-education, Quality of life.
Title: Effect of Global Postural Re-education Versus Muscle Energy Technique on Periscapular and Upper Back Pain Along with Quality of Life Among Postpartum Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Author: Jasmeen Kaur, Varinder Kaur
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Vol. 14, Issue 1, April 2026 - September 2026
Page No: 109-120
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 12-May-2026