Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 1990-12
Effects of Warming Imagery Aimed at Trigger-Point Sites on Tissue Compliance,Skin Temperature,and Pain Sensitivity in Biofeedback-Trained Patients with Chronic Pain: A Preliminary Study
13 subjects were trained in biofeedback and self-regulation strategies for reducing chronic pain. Upon demonstrating ability to hand warm, subjects were exposed to an imagery exercise designed to increase skin temperature at trigger-point sites, which are small tender irritative foci located in the soft tissue. Skin temperature, tissue compliance, and pressure-pain sensitivity were recorded before and after imagery intervention. Subjects showed significant increases in skin temperature and muscle relaxation at trigger-point sites and decreases in pressure-pain sensitivity. This suggests that localized trigger-point warming may be an effective adjunct in treating chronic pain.
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