• Bagheri R
• Delkhoush CT
• Mirmohammadkhani M
• Farokhi ZS
• Bakhshi S

• Affiliation / Semnan University of Medical Sciences. Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Research Center
• Affiliation / Semnan University of Medical Sciences. Social Determinants of Health Research Center
• Affiliation(G) / Iran / Semnan
• Athletic Tape
• Dry Needling
• Myofascial Pain Syndromes
• Open Access Document
• Superficial Back Muscles
• Ultrasonography
• Women

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of dry needling and inhibitory Kinesio taping on the pressure pain threshold and muscle thickness in women with myofascial pain syndrome in the upper trapezius muscle.

Methods: The present study was a single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial. Seventy-five women with active trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle were included and randomly divided into 3 groups of equal sizes. Groups 1 and 2 were treated in 2 sessions with a 3-day interval by dry needling and inhibitory Kinesio taping, respectively. Group 3 did not receive treatment (ie, the control group). Pressure pain threshold and muscle thickness were measured using a pressure algometer and an ultrasound device, respectively, and this was done before, 3 days after, and 10 days after the treatment.

Results: Pressure pain threshold increased significantly in groups 1 and 2 (P < .001) after the intervention. Muscle thickness reduced significantly in group 1 (P = .015) and group 2 (P = .010) after the intervention. No significant differences were observed between these 2 intervention groups in terms of these variables. Meanwhile, the changes in the control group in muscle thickness (P = .430) and pressure pain threshold (P = .230) were not significant.

Conclusion: Both dry needling and inhibitory Kinesio taping increased pressure pain threshold and reduced muscle thickness in participants with active trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. These 2 therapeutic techniques appear to cause similar positive changes in pain and muscle function but may do so through different mechanisms.

Author Keywords:  Myofascial Pain Syndrome; Dry Needling; Athletic Tape; Ultrasonography

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