Effects of Deep Cervical Flexor Training on Pressure Pain Thresholds Over Myofascial Trigger Points in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a low-load training program for the deep cervical flexors (DCFs) on pain, disability, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) over cervical myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in patients with chronic neck pain.

Methods

Thirty patients with chronic idiopathic neck pain participated in a 6-week program of specific training for the DCF, which consisted of active craniocervical flexion performed twice per day (10-20 minutes) for the duration of the trial. Perceived pain and disability (Neck Disability Index, 0-50) and PPT over MTrPs of the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and splenius capitis muscles were measured at the beginning and end of the training period.

Results

After completion of training, there was a significant reduction in Neck Disability Index values (before, 18.2 ± 12.1; after, 13.5 ± 10.6; P < .01). However, no significant changes in PPT were observed over the MTrPs.

Conclusion

Patients performing DCF training for 6 weeks demonstrated reductions in pain and disability but did not show changes in pressure pain sensitivity over MTrPs in the splenius capitis, levator scapulae, or upper trapezius muscles.     

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.     

Immediate effects of dry needling on pain sensitivity and pain modulation in patients with chronic idiopathic neck pain: a single-blinded randomized clinical trial

BackgroundDry needling is frequently used for the treatment of neck pain but knowledge about its neurophysiological central effects is scarce.ObjectivesTo compare the immediate effects of a single session of dry needling (DN) and sham needling (SN) on local and distant pressure pain thresholds and conditioned pain modulation in patients with chronic idiopathic neck pain.MethodParticipants with chronic idiopathic neck pain were randomly allocated to a DN or SN group. The primary outcome measure was the pressure pain threshold (PPT) at one peripheral location: quadriceps muscle (Q). Secondary outcome measures were local PPTs at the treated (most painful) (tUT) and non-treated upper trapezius muscle (ntUT), absolute and relative conditioned pain modulation (CPM) effects and pain during hot water immersion. Patients were assessed at baseline and immediately post intervention. Linear mixed models were used to examine interaction effects as well as between- and within-group differences.ResultsFifty-four participants were included for statistical analysis. Linear mixed model analyses showed no significant “group X time” interaction effects for any of the outcome measures. The relative CPM effect at the Q was significantly higher post-intervention, compared to baseline within the DN group (mean difference= 13.52%; 95% CI: 0.46, 26.59).ConclusionThe present study shows no superior effect of DN, compared to SN, in the immediate effect on local and distant PPTs and CPM in patients with chronic idiopathic neck pain.     

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.     

Immediate Effects of Dry Needling and Myofascial Release on Local and Widespread Pressure Pain Threshold in Individuals With Active Upper Trapezius Trigger Points: A Randomized Clinical Trial

ObjectiveThis study sought to compare the immediate effects of a single session of dry needling (DN), myofascial release (MR), and sham DN on pressure pain threshold (PPT) and neck pain intensity in individuals with chronic neck pain.MethodsThis was a randomized trial with a blinded outcome assessor. Forty-four individuals with chronic neck pain and unilateral myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle (UTM) were randomized to receive DN (n = 15), MR (n = 14), or sham DN (n = 15). The PPT over the UTM (ipsilateral and contralateral sides) and the proximal head of the radius (ipsilateral and contralateral to the treated side) and neck pain were assessed immediately and 10 minutes after the intervention.ResultsThere was no significant Group × Time interaction for PPT in the UTM on the treated side (F = 0.63, P = .641) or the contralateral side (F = 1.77, P = .144). However, there was a main effect of time on both the treated side (F = 4.917, P = .001) and the contralateral side (F = 4.70, P = .015), with DN and MR increasing PPT at the UTM. No significant Group × Time × Side interaction was found for PPT at the proximal head of the radius (F = 1.23, P = .276). Within-group analysis revealed a significant increase in PPT on the ipsilateral and contralateral sides in both DN and MR. Neck pain decreased after DN (P < .001), MR (P < .001), and sham DN (P = .008).ConclusionA single application of DN or MR generated local and distant hypalgesic responses superior to placebo. Future trials are needed to examine whether these findings occur in long-term follow-ups.     

Short-term effect of myofascial trigger point dry-needling in patients with Adhesive Capsulitis

BackgroundAdhesive Capsulitis (AC) is a common disabling musculoskeletal pain condition of unknown etiology related to the shoulder joint. Literature reported the restricted range of motion (ROM) and pain could be the result of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the muscles of the shoulder girdle. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the short-term effectiveness of MTrP dry needling (DN) in improving ROM, pain, pressure pain threshold (PPT), and physical disability among patients having AC.MethodsIn a single group pre-post experimental study design, a total of 70 clinically diagnosed patients (both male & female, age group between 40 and 65 years) with AC were recruited from three multi-specialty hospitals. The informed consent forms were received from each patient before participating in the study. Each patient received DN for the MTrPs of shoulder girdle muscles for alternative six days. In addition to DN, each patient had received conventional physiotherapy for continuous twelve days which includes electrotherapy modalities and exercises. The pain intensity (visual analog scale), shoulder ROM (Goniometer), disability (shoulder pain and disability index) and PPT (Algometer) were the outcome measures assessed at the baseline and twelfth day of the intervention.ResultsThere was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) improvement in shoulder ROM, pain intensity, shoulder disability, and PPT at the end of the twelve days of intervention as compared to baseline assessment.ConclusionMTrPs-DN techniques may improve the pain, ROM, disability and PPT along with conventional physiotherapy management among patients with AC.     

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.     

Myofascial Trigger Points,Pain, Disability,and Sleep Quality in Individuals With Mechanical Neck Pain

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in a greater number of muscles than previous studies and the relation between the presence of MTrPs, the intensity of pain, disability, and sleep quality in mechanical neck pain.MethodsFifteen patients with mechanical neck pain (80% women) and 12 comparable controls participated. Myofascial trigger points were bilaterally explored in the upper trapezius, splenius capitis, semispinalis capitis, sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae, and scalene muscles in a blinded design. Myofascial trigger points were considered active if the subject recognized the elicited referred pain as a familiar symptom. Myofascial trigger points were considered latent if the elicited referred pain was not recognized as a symptom. Pain was collected with a numerical pain rate scale (0-10); disability was assessed with Neck Disability Index; and sleep quality, with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.ResultsPatients exhibited a greater disability and worse sleep quality than controls (P < .001). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score was associated with the worst intensity of pain (r = 0.589; P = .021) and disability (r = 0.552; P = .033). Patients showed a greater (P = .002) number of active MTrPs (mean, 2 ± 2) and similar number (P = .505) of latent MTrPs (1.6 ± 1.4) than controls (latent MTrPs, 1.3 ± 1.4). No significant association between the number of latent or active MTrPs and pain, disability, or sleep quality was found.ConclusionsThe referred pain elicited by active MTrPs in the neck and shoulder muscles contributed to symptoms in mechanical neck pain. Patients exhibited higher disability and worse sleep quality than controls. Sleep quality was associated with pain intensity and disability. No association between active MTrPs and the intensity of pain, disability, or sleep quality was found.     

Osteopathic manipulative treatment combined with exercise improves pain and disability in individuals with non-specific chronic neck pain: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial

PurposeTo determine effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment combined with stretching and strengthening exercises in the cervical region on pain and disability in individuals with non-specific chronic neck pain.Methods90 adults with non-specific chronic neck pain were randomized to either exercises group (EG, n = 45) or osteopathic manipulative treatment associated with exercises group (OMT/EG, n = 45). The primary outcomes were obtained by the use of Numeric Pain-Rating Scale (NPRS), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Secondary outcomes included range of motion (ROM) for cervical spine rotation, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire Work/Physical Activity (FABQ-W/PA) and Pain-self efficacy at two different moments: baseline and 4 weeks after the first treatment. Techniques and dosages of OMT were selected pragmatically by a registered osteopath. Generalized Estimating Equations model (GEE), complemented by the Least Significant Difference (LSD) and the intention-to-treat analysis, was used to assess the clinical outcomes.ResultsAnalysis with GEE indicated that OMT/EG reduced pain and disability more than the EG alone after 4 weeks of treatment with statistically significant difference (p < 0,05), as well as cervical active rotation was significantly improved (p = 0.03). There were no between-group differences observed in Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) measure, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire and Pain-self efficacy.ConclusionThe association between OMT and exercises reduces pain and improves functional disability more than only exercise for individuals with non-specific chronic neck pain.     

Dry needling of the trapezius muscle in office workers with neck pain: a randomized clinical trial

Background: Neck pain is a frequent complaint in office workers. This pain can be caused by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the trapezius muscle. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of deep dry needling (DDN) of active MTrPs in the trapezius muscle.

Methods: A randomized, single blinded clinical trial was carried out at the Physical Therapy Department at Physiotherapy in Women's Health Research Group at Physical Therapy Department of University of Alcalá, in Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain. Forty-four office workers with neck pain and active MTrPs in the trapezius muscle were randomly allocated to either the DDN or the control group (CG). The participants in the DDN group were treated with DDN of all MTrPs found in the trapezius muscle. They also received passive stretch of the trapezius muscle. The CG received the same passive stretch of the trapezius muscle only. The primary outcome measure was subjective pain intensity, measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were pressure pain threshold (PPT), cervical range of motion (CROM) and muscle strength. Data were collected at baseline, after interventions and 15?days after the last treatment.

Results: Differences were found between the DDN group and the CG for the VAS (P?P?P?P?Discussion: Deep dry needling and passive stretch seems to be more effective than passive stretch only. The effects are maintained in the short term. The results support the use of DDN in the management of trapezius muscle myofascial pain syndrome in neck pain.     

Effectiveness of Dry Needling Therapy on Pain,Hip Muscle Strength,and Physical Function in Patients With Hip Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term effects of dry needling (DN) on physical function, pain, and hip muscle strength in patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA).DesignA double-blind, placebo-control, randomized controlled trial.SettingPrivate practice physiotherapy clinic.ParticipantsPatients with unilateral hip OA (N=45) were randomly allocated to a DN group, sham DN group, or control group.InterventionsPatients in the DN and sham groups received 3 treatment sessions. Three active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) were treated in each session with DN or a sham needle procedure. The treatment was applied in active MTrPs of the iliopsoas, rectus femoris, tensor fasciae latae, and gluteus minimus muscles.Main Outcome MeasuresPhysical function was assessed with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) physical function subscale, the timed Up and Go test, and the 40-meter self-paced walk test. Intensity of hip pain related to physical function was evaluated using the visual analog scale and WOMAC pain subscale. The maximal isometric force of hip muscles was recorded with a handheld dynamometer.ResultsSignificant group by time interactions were shown for physical function, pain, and hip muscle force variables. Post hoc tests revealed a significant reduction in hip pain and significant improvements in physical function and hip muscle strength in the DN group compared with the sham and control groups. The DN group showed within- and between-groups large effect sizes (d>0.8).ConclusionsDN therapy in active MTrPs of the hip muscles reduced pain and improved hip muscle strength and physical function in patients with hip OA. DN in active MTrPs of the hip muscles should be considered for the management of hip OA.     

Effects of myofascial trigger point dry cupping on pain and function in patients with plantar heel pain: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of dry cupping on calf muscle myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) on pain and function in patients with plantar heel pain.MethodsSeventy-one patients were randomly divided into an intervention group or control group. Both groups performed stretching exercises for the calf muscle and plantar fascia and ankle dorsiflexion exercises. The intervention group also received dry cupping. The primary outcome measures were visual analogue scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and patient-specific functional scale (PSFS). The secondary outcomes were ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) and ankle plantar flexor strength. These measurements were performed at baseline, immediately after intervention, and after 2 days.ResultsCurrent VAS significantly decreased immediately in the intervention group (p = 0.002), but not in the control group (p ≥ 0.220). Morning VAS decreased significantly in both groups (p < 0.001) after 2 days, but decreased more in the intervention group (p = 0.006). Trigger point PPT significantly improved immediately in the intervention group (p = 0.003), but not in the control group (p = 0.112). Both groups improved significantly in PSFS (p < 0.001) and ankle dorsiflexion ROM (p < 0.001). Plantar flexor strength significantly increased immediately in the intervention group (p < 0.001), but not in the control group (p = 0.556).ConclusionAdding dry cupping on calf MTrPs to self-stretching and ankle dorsiflexion exercises for patients with plantar heel pain was superior to only self-stretching and active ankle dorsiflexion exercises in pain, ankle dorsiflexion ROM, and plantar flexor strength.     

Acupuncture-like versus conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the management of active myofascial trigger points: A randomized controlled trial

PurposeMyofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is one of the most common causes of chronic musculoskeletal pain. The transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-expensive, safe, feasible modality, used recently for the treatment of MPS with promising but limited results. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of acupuncture-like TENS (AL-TENS) vs conventional TENS (C-TENS) in the treatment of active myofascial trigger points.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial study was carried out with 60 consecutive patients with active trapezius trigger points referred to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic. Participants randomly assigned to receive AL-TENS, C-TENS or sham TENS (S-TENS). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Pressure Pain Thresholds (PPTs), and neck range of motion (ROM) were measured at baseline, after the first treatment sessions, after the final treatment session, and 3 months after the end of the last treatment session. Patients function was evaluated by Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) at baseline, after the final treatment sessions, and 3 months after the end of intervention.ResultsThe interaction effect of time and group was significantly different when evaluating VAS (df = 4.65, F = 2.50, p = 0.038) and DASH (df = 2.63, F = 7.25, p < 0.001) in favor of active groups, as well as neck total lateral bending in favor of AL-TENS group compared other two groups (df = 4.16, F = 5.23, p = 0.001). Both VAS and DASH improved significantly at all follow-ups in AL-TENS and C-TENS groups. Of note, significant immediate improvement in all outcomes was observed only with AL-TENS.ConclusionsAccording to the present study, both AL-TENS and C-TENS were superior to placebo in pain reduction and functional improvement. Although both TENS techniques have similar efficiency on pain reduction, functional and pain perception improvement, the AL-TENS was the superior approach when evaluating neck lateral bending ROM.     

The Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Therapy on Pain and Function

[Purpose] The present study examined the effects of treatment using PNF extension techniques on the pain, pressure pain, and neck and shoulder functions of the upper trapezius muscles of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) patients. [Subjects] Thirty-two patients with MPS in the upper trapezius muscle were divided into two groups: a PNF group (n=16), and a control group (n=16) [Methods] The PNF group received upper trapezius muscle relaxation therapy and shoulder joint stabilizing exercises. Subjects in the control group received only the general physical therapies for the upper trapezius muscles. Subjects were measured for pain on a visual analog scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), the neck disability index (NDI), and the Constant-Murley scale (CMS). [Results] None of the VAS, PPT, and NDI results showed significant differences between the groups, while performing postures, internal rotation, and external rotation among the CMS items showed significant differences between the groups. [Conclusion] Exercise programs that apply PNF techniques can be said to be effective at improving the function of MPS patients.Key words: PNF, MPS, Trapezius     

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。     

Effects of the active release technique on pain and range of motion of patients with chronic neck pain

[Purpose] To compare the influences of the active release technique (ART) and joint mobilization (JM) on the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, pressure pain threshold (PPT), and neck range of motion (ROM) of patients with chronic neck pain. [Subjects] Twenty-four individuals with chronic neck pain were randomly and equally assigned to 3 groups: an ART group, a joint mobilization (JM) group, and a control group. Before and after the intervention, the degree of pain, PPT, and ROM of the neck were measured using a VAS, algometer, and goniometer, respectively. [Results] The ART group and JM group demonstrated significant changes in VAS and ROM between pre and post-intervention, while no significant change was observed in the control group. Significant differences in the PPT of all muscles were found in the ART group, while significant differences in all muscles other than the trapezius were found in the JM group. No significant difference in PPT was observed in any muscle of the control group. The posthoc test indicated no statistically significant difference between the ART and JM group, but the differences of variation in VAS, PPT, and ROM were greater in the ART group than in the JM and control groups. [Conclusion] ART for the treatment of chronic neck pain may be beneficial for neck pain and movement.Key words: Active release technique, Soft tissue, Chronic neck pain     

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.     

The Predetermined Sites of Examination for Tender Points in Fibromyalgia Syndrome Are Frequently Associated With Myofascial Trigger Points

The aim of this present study is to test the hypotheses that the 18 predetermined sites of examination for tender points (TP sites) in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) are myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), and that the induced pain from active MTrPs at TP sites may mimic fibromyalgia pain. Each TP site was evaluated with manual palpation followed by intramuscular electromyographic (EMG) registration of spontaneous electrical activity to confirm or refute the existence of an MTrP in 30 FMS patients. Overall spontaneous pain intensity and pain pattern were recorded before manual identification of MTrPs. Local and referred pain pattern from active MTrPs were drawn following manual palpation at TP sites.ResultsShowed that most of the TP sites are MTrPs. Local and referred pain from active MTrPs reproduced partly the overall spontaneous pain pattern. The total number of active MTrPs (r = .78, P < .0001), but not latent MTrPs (r = –.001, P = .99), was positively correlated with spontaneous pain intensity in FMS. The current study provides first evidence that pain from active MTrPs at TP sites mimics fibromyalgia pain. MTrPs may relate to generalized increased sensitivity in FMS due to central sensitization.PerspectiveThis article underlies the importance of active MTrPs in FMS patients. Most of the TP sites in FMS are MTrPs. Active MTrPs may serve as a peripheral generator of fibromyalgia pain and inactivation of active MTrPs may thus be an alternative for the treatment of FMS.     

A randomized clinical trial of self-stretching with and without mindful breathing - immediate effect on pressure pain and range of motion in myofascial pain syndrome

IntroductionThe stretching intervention of the current study was applied from several principles and the latest updated method of slowed and synchronized patterns between self-stretching with mindful breathing (MB) and eyes closed period before and after the self-stretching was performed at least four times repeatedly within 150 s per each pose.ObjectiveTo investigate effects of self-stretching in five poses with and without MB on pain and cervical range of motion (CROM).DesignThe study was a randomized clinical trial with a blinded assessor.SettingThe participants were 30 females per group, aged 30–59 years with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).Main outcome measuresThe participants were evaluated via the pressure pain threshold (PPT) at the upper trapezius muscles and the CROM.ResultsBoth groups showed that the PPT at upper trapezius muscles significantly increased after performing the stretching (p < 0.001). The ROM in the MB group significantly increased in extension, left and right lateral flexion, and left rotation (p < 0.05).ConclusionSelf-stretching with mindful breathing was designed to allow for effects within the shortest time in patients with myofascial pain syndrome. Since this treatment is a non-pharmacological intervention and was considered as part of active self-care, we suggest that this therapy could be used as alternative therapy for patients with MPS.