弹性成像引导下针刺激痛点治疗肌筋膜疼痛的疗效初探

目的 研究实时组织弹性成像（RTE）引导下针刺肌筋膜激痛点（MTrPs）治疗肌筋膜疼痛综合征（MPS）的应用价值。方法 研究对象为2017年8月至2018年8月在我院就诊的60例MPS患者,随机平均分为RTE组和传统针刺组,对患者进行随访1年,比较两组患者治疗前后MTrPs弹性评分、疼痛评分的差异并研究两者的相关性。比较两组患者的治疗效果及远期预后。结果 治疗后RTE组的弹性评分、视觉模拟评分(VAS) 和疼痛评定指数均明显低于传统针刺组（P＜0.05）,弹性评分与VAS、PRI、现时疼痛强度 (PPI)均呈正相关（均r＞0且P＜0.05）,其中弹性评分与VAS的相关程度最强（r=0.673, P=0.000）。MTrPs弹性评分与VAS在不同疗程中的变化趋势近似,均呈下降趋势（P＜0.05）。RTE组的显效率为86.7%,累计无复发率为93.33%,传统针刺组的显效率为60%,累计无复发率为57.14%,RTE组的显效率及累计无复发率均明显高于传统针刺组（P＜0.05）。结论 RTE引导下针刺MTrPs的治疗效果及预后均明显优于传统触诊法针刺。     

实时剪切波弹性成像对颈肩部肌筋膜疼痛综合征阿是穴针刺疗效评估

目的 探讨实时剪切波弹性成像（SWE）对颈肩部肌筋膜疼痛综合征（MPS）患者经阿是穴针刺治疗后的效果评估价值。方法 应用SWE技术定量测量30例颈肩部肌筋膜疼痛综合征（MPS）患者经阿是穴针刺治疗前后斜方肌疼痛触发点的弹性模量值及弹性评分,并且测量患者治疗前后的疼痛视觉模拟评分（VAS）。结果 针刺治疗前患者VAS评分与斜方肌MTrPs杨氏模量值及弹性评分均呈明显正相关(r=0.572, P<0.001;r=0.474, P=0.008),经阿是穴针刺治疗后,MPS患者VAS评分较治疗前减低(t=10.02, P<0.001),斜方肌MTrPs超声弹性成像评分 (t=6.34, P<0.001)及杨氏模量值(t=33.36,P<0.001)明显降低,差异均具有统计学意义;经针刺治疗后?VAS、?杨氏模量值与?弹性评分均呈明显正相关(r=0.611, P<0.001;r=0.561, P=0.001)。 结论 实时剪切波弹性成像能客观有效评估颈肩部肌筋膜膜疼痛综合征阿是穴针刺疗效。     

剪切波弹性成像在肌筋膜疼痛综合征中的临床应用价值

目的应用剪切波弹性成像观察肌筋膜疼痛综合征患者肌筋膜疼痛触发点(MTrPs)处肌肉弹性改变情况,观察其在中医手法治疗中的应用。方法收集我院收治的60例肌筋膜疼痛综合征患者(观察组)和60例健康体检者(对照组)为研究对象,均行剪切波弹性成像检测,比较观察组与对照组肌肉杨氏模量值(E)、组织剪切波速度(SWV)、上斜方肌厚度、目测类比等级(VAS)评分。以后期病理生理学检测结果为标准,绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析剪切波弹性成像诊断MTrPs的价值。根据观察组患者定位MTrPs方式差异分为2个亚组:常规组(30例)和辅助组(30例),对比常规组与辅助组治疗前和治疗后15 d的VAS评分、疼痛分级指数(PRI)评分、现有疼痛强度(PPI)评分,以及治疗1、2、3个疗程后的疼痛缓解显效率。结果观察组MTrPs处肌肉E、SWV、上斜方肌厚度、VAS评分均高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05)。ROC曲线分析显示,剪切波弹性成像诊断MTrPs的曲线下面积为0.948,敏感性为95.24%,特异性为94.44%,诊断准确率为95.00%。通过对比疗效发现,辅助组1、2、3个疗程治疗后的疼痛缓解显效率均显著高于常规组,治疗后15 d的VAS评分、PRI评分、PPI评分均低于常规组,差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05)。结论剪切波弹性成像评估肌筋膜疼痛综合征患者MTrPs处肌肉弹性改变具有较高的特异性和敏感性,有助于中医手法治疗定位,具有重要的临床价值。     

实时剪切波弹性成像对颈肩部肌筋膜疼痛综合征阿是穴针刺疗效的评估

目的探讨实时剪切波弹性成像(SWE)评价颈肩部肌筋膜疼痛综合征(MPS)患者经阿是穴针刺治疗的疗效。方法应用SWE技术定量测量30例颈肩部MPS患者经阿是穴针刺治疗前后斜方肌疼痛触发点的弹性模量值及弹性评分,应用视觉模拟评分(VAS)法评估其主观疼痛强度,分析治疗前VAS评分与杨氏模量值及弹性评分的相关性,以及针刺治疗后VAS评分变化值(?VAS)与杨氏模量变化值(?杨氏模量值)及弹性评分变化值(?弹性评分)的相关性。结果与阿是穴针刺治疗前比较,颈肩部MPS患者针刺治疗后斜方肌疼痛触发点弹性评分及杨氏模量值均明显降低(t=6.34、33.36,均P0.001),VAS评分减低(t=10.02,P0.001)。阿是穴针刺治疗前,颈肩部MPS患者VAS评分与杨氏模量值及弹性评分均呈正相关(r=0.572、0.474,均P0.05);阿是穴针刺治疗后,颈肩部MPS患者?VAS与?杨氏模量值及?弹性评分均呈正相关(r=0.611、0.561,均P0.05)。结论 SWE能客观有效地评估颈肩部MPS患者阿是穴针刺疗效,具有较好的临床应用价值。     

剪切波速度评价肌筋膜疼痛综合征患者疗效的价值初探

目的应用剪切波速度(SWV)评价肌筋膜疼痛综合征(MPS)患者的治疗效果,探讨其临床应用价值。方法选取80例MPS患者(MPS组)和80例同期健康志愿者(对照组),采用视觉模拟评分(VAS)、疼痛评定指数(PRI)和现时疼痛强度(PPI)评估患者疼痛程度;使用声辐射力脉冲弹性成像观察斜方肌组织弹性,并记录SWV值。所有MPS患者均接受6个疗程的常规治疗,将疗效达到显效及痊愈的患者根据自愿原则进行分组,继续以SWV值作为疗效观察指标并进行治疗者为继续治疗组,未继续治疗者为停止治疗组,两组患者随访1年,比较治疗后复发率的差异。结果 MPS组患者平均SWV值(4.35±1.56)m/s,对照组平均SWV值(1.53±0.56)m/s,差异有统计学意义(t=15.218,P=0.000)。治疗过程中MPS患者VAS评分和SWV值均呈下降趋势,差异均有统计学意义(F=3.649、2.631,P=0.000、0.018)。MPS患者治疗后显效及痊愈者63例,显效率78.8%;治疗后MPS患者的VAS评分、PRI、PPI均显著低于治疗前,差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05)。MPS组治疗后平均SWV值(2.63±1.09)m/s,显著低于治疗前(4.35±1.56)m/s,差异有统计学意义(t=8.084,P=0.000)。继续治疗组30例患者的复发率显著低于停止治疗组33例患者(6.7%vs. 40.0%),差异有统计学意义(χ~2=8.760,P=0.003)。结论 SWV值能客观反映MPS患者的斜方肌组织硬度,可作为MPS患者疗效评价的较好指标,具有重要临床应用价值。     

灰阶超声联合剪切波弹性成像评估肌筋膜疼痛综合征患者肌筋膜疼痛触发点

目的 探讨灰阶超声联合剪切波弹性成像（SWE）技术评估肌筋膜疼痛综合征（MPS）患者肌筋膜疼痛触发点（MTrPs）处肌肉形态及组织学特性的价值。方法 以28例MPS患者（36个MTrPs）为病例组,33名健康志愿者（33个正常肌肉点）为对照组。由2名检查者分别测量病例组MTrPs （上斜方肌）厚度、剪切波传播速度（SWV）及杨氏模量值（E）,1名检查者测量对照组上述参数,1周后2组均重复测量。采用组内相关系数（ICC）评价2名检查者检测结果的一致性,以Pearson检验分析MPS患者疼痛视觉模拟量表（VAS）评分与上斜方肌厚度、SWV及E的相关性。结果 2名检查者重复测量一致性、时间一致性及检查者间一致性均好或优（ICC 0.73~0.98）。病例组MPS患者上斜方肌厚度、SWV及E均高于对照组,差异均有统计学意义（P均<0.05）。MPS患者VAS评分与上斜方肌厚度无相关性（r=0.016,P=0.945）,与SWV （r=0.709,P<0.001）、E （r=0.653,P=0.002）均呈正相关。结论 灰阶超声联合SWE可定量评估MPS患者MTrPs处肌肉形态及组织学特性。     

剪切波超声弹性成像技术和表面肌电图在颈肩肌筋膜疼痛综合征疗效评估中的应用

目的:探讨剪切波超声弹性成像(SWE)技术和表面肌电图(sEMG)在颈肩肌筋膜疼痛综合征(MPS)疗效评估中的应用价值。方法:回顾性分析2017年10月~2019年10月间医院收治的90例颈肩(MPS)患者的临床资料,所有患者均接受4个疗程(7d为1疗程)的针刺联合推拿治疗,根据治疗后1个月的疗效划分为A组(54例)、B组(36例)。于治疗前、后采用SWE检测两组患者的杨氏模量值、触发点厚度、组织弹性图评分,并使用sEMG检测平均振幅值、平均频率斜率值,并使用受试者工作曲线(ROC)分析以上指标对颈肩MPS患者疗效的评估价值。结果:治疗前,两组患者的组织弹性图评分、杨氏模量值、筋膜厚度、平均振幅值、平均频率斜率等比较,差异均无统计学意义(P_均>0.05)。治疗后,两组患者的组织弹性图评分、杨氏模量值、筋膜厚度等均低于治疗前(A组B组),差异均具有统计学意义(P_均<0.05)。ROC曲线显示,组织弹性图评分、杨氏模量值、筋膜厚度、平均振幅值、平均频率斜率评估颈肩MPS患者疗效的AUC分别为0.750、0.744、0.836、0.812、0.752,具有一定的价值,且联合检查的价值较高(AUC=0.957,P<0.01)。结论:剪切波超声弹性成像技术联合表面肌电图可用于颈肩肌筋膜疼痛综合征疗效评估。     

肌筋膜激痛点针刺和穴位针刺治疗慢性紧张型头痛的效果比较

目的 探讨肌筋膜激痛点（MTrPs）针刺治疗慢性紧张型头痛（CTTH）的临床疗效,并与穴位针刺进行比较。方法 129例CTTH患者随机分为MTrPs针刺组、穴位针刺组和药物对照组,每组各43例。MTrPs针刺组采用MTrPs针刺治疗,穴位针刺组采用常规取穴针刺治疗,药物对照组予以乙哌立松片口服,三组治疗均持续30 d。比较治疗前后三组患者的头痛发作次数、头痛指数、头痛影响测定-6评分以及治疗有效率。结果 治疗结束时,三组患者的头痛次数、头痛指数和头痛影响测定-6(HIT-6)评分均较各组治疗前下降,差异有统计学意义（P<0.01）;组间比较以及总有效率比较,差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。治疗后3个月,三组患者的头痛次数、头痛指数和HIT-6评分均较各组治疗前下降差异有统计学意义（P<0.01）;MTrPs针刺组和穴位针刺组患者的头痛指数和头痛发作次数均较药物对照组减少,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。三组的总有效率存在统计学差异（P<0.05）,MTrPs针刺组的总有效率高于药物对照组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。结论 MTrPs针刺治疗...     

剪切波弹性成像在针灸治疗肩胛间区肌筋膜疼痛综合征中的应用价值

目的 探讨剪切波弹性成像（SWE）在针灸治疗肩胛间区肌筋膜疼痛综合征（MPS）中的应用价值。方法 前瞻性收集于我院接受针灸治疗的肩胛间区MPS患者39例，其中针对肩胛间区疼痛区域行针灸治疗15例（局部对症治疗组），针对颈部肩胛背神经走行区行针灸治疗24例（颈部肩胛背神经治疗组），均每周治疗3次，连续治疗2周，应用视觉模拟（VAS）评分评估其临床疗效，并计算总有效率；应用SWE测量治疗前后菱形肌内、外侧筋膜杨氏模量平均值（Emean），比较两组治疗前、后Emean及总有效率。结果 局部对症治疗组和颈部肩胛背神经治疗组治疗后VAS评分均较治疗前明显下降，总有效率为92.3%(36/39)，其中痊愈8例，显效22例，有效6例，无效3例，局部对症治疗组总有效率为80.0%(12/15)，颈部肩胛背神经治疗组总有效率为100%(24/24)，两组总有效率比较差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。治疗前，局部对症治疗组菱形肌内、外侧筋膜Emean分别为21.09(18.31,32.33)kPa、28.82(18.42,36.49)kPa，颈部肩胛背神经治疗组菱形肌内、外侧筋膜Emean分别为23...     

剪切波速度提高肌筋膜疼痛综合征患者疗效的价值初探

目的 探索剪切波速度（shear wave velocity, SWV）提高肌筋膜疼痛综合征（myofascial pain syndrome, MPS）患者治疗疗效的价值。方法 选择我院收治的MPS患者80例并定义为MPS组,同期选择健康志愿者80例作为对照组。采用视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scale, VAS)、疼痛评定指数(values of pain rating index, PRI)、现时疼痛强度 (present pain intensity, PPI)评估患者疼痛程度。使用声辐射力脉冲（acoustic radiation force impulse, ARFI）弹性成像观察斜方肌组织弹性并记录SWV值。MPS患者均接受6个疗程的常规治疗,之后将疗效达到显效及以上的患者根据患者自愿原则进行分组,继续以SWV作为疗效观察指标并进行治疗的定义为继续治疗组,不继续治疗的患者定义为停止治疗组。所有患者进行为期1年的随访,比较继续治疗组与停止治疗组治疗后复发率的差异。结果 治疗过程中患者VAS值和SWV值均呈下降趋势,其差异有统计学意义（FVAS=3.649,PVAS=0.000;FVAS=2.631,PVAS=0.018）。MPS患者整体治疗的显效率为78.8%。治疗后MPS患者的VAS 、PRI、PPI均显著低于治疗前,差异均具有统计学意义（均P＜0.05）。MPS组治疗后平均SWV（2.63±1.09 m/）显著低于治疗前（4.35±1.56 m/s）,差异具有统计学意义（t=8.084,P=0.000）。继续治疗组累计无复发率（93.33%）显著高于停止治疗组（61.29%）,Logrank检验差异有统计学意义（X2=8.760,P=0.003）。结论 ARFI的SWV值可以客观反应MPS患者病情的严重程度,利用SWV值作为疗效的判定标准可能可以获得更好的疗效。     

Uncovering the biochemical milieu of myofascial trigger points using in vivo microdialysis: An application of muscle pain concepts to myofascial pain syndrome

This article discusses muscle pain concepts in the context of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and summarizes microdialysis studies that have surveyed the biochemical basis of this musculoskeletal pain condition. Though MPS is a common type of non-articular pain, its pathophysiology is only beginning to be understood due to its enormous complexity. MPS is characterized by the presence of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), which are defined as hyperirritable nodules located within a taut band of skeletal muscle. MTrPs may be active (spontaneously painful and symptomatic) or latent (non-spontaneously painful). Painful MTrPs activate muscle nociceptors that, upon sustained noxious stimulation, initiate motor and sensory changes in the peripheral and central nervous systems. This process is called sensitization. In order to investigate the peripheral factors that influence the sensitization process, a microdialysis technique was developed to quantitatively measure the biochemical milieu of skeletal muscle. Biochemical differences were found between active and latent MTrPs, as well as in comparison with healthy muscle tissue. In this paper we relate the findings of elevated levels of sensitizing substances within painful muscle to the current theoretical framework of muscle pain and MTrP development.     

Topographical mapping and mechanical pain sensitivity of myofascial trigger points in the infraspinatus muscle

Objectives: To screen for the presence of latent and active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in patients with unilateral shoulder and arm pain and perform topographical mapping of mechanical pain sensitivity bilaterally in the infraspinatus muscles. Methods: Nineteen patients with unilateral musculoskeletal shoulder pain participated in the study. The area overlying the infraspinatus on each side was divided into 10 adjacent sub‐areas of 1cm², corresponding to the area of a pressure algometer probe. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured in each sub‐area bilaterally in the infraspinatus muscles. Following PPT measurement, an acupuncture needle was inserted into each sub‐area five times in different directions in order to induce local twitch response and/or referred pain. Results: A significantly lower PPT level in the infraspinatus muscle was detected on the painful side compared with the non‐painful side (P=0.001). PPT at midfiber region of the infraspinatus muscles was lower than that at other muscle parts (P<0.05). Multiple, but not single, active MTrPs were found in the infraspinatus muscle on the painful side and there were also multiple latent MTrPs bilaterally in the infraspinatus muscles. PPT at active MTrPs was much lower than the latent MTrPs and again lower than the non‐MTrPs. Conclusions: There exists bilateral mechanical hyperalgesia in patients with unilateral shoulder pain. Further, the association of multiple active MTrPs with unilateral shoulder pain and the heterogeneity of mechanical pain sensitivity distribution suggest a crucial role of peripheral sensitization in chronic myofascial pain conditions. Additionally, the locations of MTrPs identified with dry needling correspond well to PPT topographical mapping, suggesting that dry needling and PPT topographical mapping are sensitive techniques in the identification of MTrPs.     

Bilateral activation of motor unit potentials with unilateral needle stimulation of active myofascial trigger points

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine if there are electromyographic differences between active and latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) during trigger point needling. DESIGN: A total of 21 subjects were recruited prospectively. The experimental group consisted of 13 subjects who had active myofascial pain in the neck for >6 mos. The age-matched, control group consisted of eight subjects without neck pain but with taut bands in the cervical musculature. The active MTrPs (or latent MTrPs in the control group) were identified in the trapezius or levator scapulae muscles, then needle electrodes were inserted ipsilaterally into the muscle with the MTrPs and into the same muscle on the contralateral side. Electromyographic activity was recorded bilaterally with a dual-channel electromyographic machine, and local twitch responses were obtainedusinganacupuncturedryneedlingtechniqueonlyonthesideoftheactiveMTrPs. RESULTS: We demonstrated that in subjects with active MTrPs, bilateral motor unit activation could be obtained with unilateral needle stimulation of the trigger point. In contrast, in all the subjects with latent MTrPs, only unilateral motor unit activation could be obtained in the muscle on the same side of the needle stimulation. The motor unit potentials seen on the electromyograph were similar in morphology to a fasciculation potential but more complex. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated bilateral or mirror-image electromyographic activity associated with unilateral needle stimulation of active MTrPs. We have found no previous mention of this phenomenon in the literature. Our study supports the concept that the perpetuation of pain and muscle dysfunction in active MTrPs may be related to abnormal central nervous system processing of sensory input at the level of the spinal cord.     

Effectiveness of traditional Thai massage versus Swedish massage among patients with back pain associated with myofascial trigger points

The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of traditional Thai massage (TTM) among patients with back pain associated with myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). Swedish massage (SM) was selected as the treatment for the comparison group. One hundred and eighty patients were randomly allocated to receive either TTM or SM for 6 sessions during a 3–4 week period, with follow-up 1 month later. Results indicated that pain intensity, assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), among patients in both groups was reduced by more than half after 3 weeks of treatment and for up to one month afterwards (P<0.05) with no significant difference in VAS between the groups. Similar improvements were found for most other outcome measures. We conclude that TTM and SM are effective in reducing back pain among patients with MTrPs. We therefore suggest that massage therapy, and in particular Thai massage, be considered as an alternative primary health care treatment for this disorder.     

The effect of manual pressure release on myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle

Sustained manual pressure has been advocated as effective treatment for myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). This study aimed to investigate the effect of manual pressure release (MPR) on the pressure sensitivity of latent MTrPs in the upper trapezius muscle using a novel pressure algometer. Subjects (N=37, mean age 23.1±3.2, M=12, F=23) were screened for the presence of latent MTrPs in the upper trapezius muscle (tender band that produced referred pain to the neck and/or head on manual pressure). Subjects were randomly allocated into either treatment (MPR) or control (sham myofascial release) groups. The pressure pain threshold (PPT) was recorded pre- and post-intervention using a digital algometer, consisting of a capacitance sensor attached to the tip of the palpating thumb. There was a significant increase in the mean PPT of MTrPs in the upper trapezius following MPR (P<0.001), but not following the sham treatment. Pressure was monitored and maintained during the application of MPR, and a reduction in perceived pain and significant increase in tolerance to treatment pressure (P<0.001) appeared to be caused by a change in tissue sensitivity, rather than an unintentional reduction of pressure by the examiner. The results suggest that MPR may be an effective therapy for MTrPs in the upper trapezius.     

Treatment of myofascial pain syndrome

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is caused by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) located within taut bands of skeletal muscle fibers. Treating the underlying etiologic lesion responsible for MTrP activation is the most important strategy in MPS therapy. If the underlying pathology is not given the appropriate treatment, the MTrP cannot be completely and permanently inactivated. Treatment of active MTrPs may be necessary in situations in which active MTrPs persist even after the underlying etiologic lesion has been treated appropriately. When treating the active MTrPs or their underlying pathology, conservative treatment should be given before aggressive therapy. Effective MTrP therapies include manual therapies, physical therapy modalities, dry needling, or MTrP injection. It is also important to eliminate any perpetuating factors and provide adequate education and home programs to patients so that recurrent or chronic pain can be avoided.     

Far-infrared ray patches relieve pain and improve skin sensitivity in myofascial pain syndrome: A double-blind randomized controlled study

ObjectiveMyofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common disorder characterized by muscle pain if myofascial trigger points (MTrP) are stimulated. This study evaluated the effectiveness of far-infrared ray (FIR) patches in reducing the severity of pain in patients with MPS.MethodsA double-blind, randomized controlled study involving 125 patients with MPS and 201 MTrPs located in the trapezius muscle. A FIR patch was applied to 98 MTrPs for 24 h in the intervention group (61 patients) and a placebo patch was applied to 91 MTrPs in the control group (57 patients) at the end. Pain intensity was measured using the visual analogue scale (V) while pressure pain threshold (P) and maximal pain tolerance (T) were measured using an algometer before and after treatment.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 37.16 years old and 67% were female. There was a positive correlation between P and T (p < 0.001). Older Age was associated with higher P and T due to poor skin sensitivity (p < 0.001). V improved significantly in both groups to a similar extent, but only in the intervention group, P and T decreased significantly (which implied better skin sensitivity) (p < 0.05). P and T decreased the most in the female group aged over 35, probably due to thinner skin in this subgroup.ConclusionsFIR and placebo patches were equally effective at relieving pain (with decreased V), but P and T dropped only in the intervention group with FIR patches. This probably resulted from FIR penetrated only to the skin layer and improved skin sensitivity with more blood circulation, but the muscle remained unaffected. Further studies should investigate the effect of longer exposure or higher energy applications.     

A comparison between different modes of real-time sonoelastography in visualizing myofascial trigger points in low back muscles

Objective: Currently, there is a lack of objective means to quantify myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) and their core features. Our research compares (1) MTrPs and surrounding myofascial tissue using two-dimensional grayscale ultrasound (2DGSUS) and vibration sonoelastography (VSE); (2) the accuracy of both modes in visualizing MTrPs; (3) ‘active’ and ‘latent’ MTrPs, using VSE; and (4) the accuracy of both modes in visualizing deep and superficially located MTrPs.

Methods: Fifty participants with more than two MTrPs in their quadratus lumborum, longissimus thoracis, piriformis, and gluteus medius muscles were assigned to an active MTrP (low back pain) group or a latent (currently pain free) MTrP group. MTrP identification was based on their essential criteria. An electronic algometer measured repeatedly the tenderness of MTrPs with reference to pressure pain threshold values. A handheld vibrator was applied over MTrPs, while VSE and 2DGSUS readings were taken using an EUB-7500 ultrasound scanner.

Results: There was a significant difference between MTrP strain and that of the immediately surrounding myofascial tissue, as measured using VSE (P?=?0·001). VSE visualized all superficial and deep MTrPs with an accuracy of 100% (for both groups); the blinded results obtained using 2DGSUS achieved 33% and 35% accuracy, respectively. There was no significant difference found between the tissue strain ratios of active and latent MTrPs (P?=?0·929).

Discussion: Sonoelastography can visualize superficial and deep MTrPs, and differentiate them from surrounding myofascial structure through tissue stiffness and echogenicity. VSE was more accurate than 2DGSUS in visualizing and imaging MTrPs.