Kinesio taping versus dry needling in the treatment of myofascial pain of the upper trapezius muscle: A randomized,single blind (evaluator),prospective study

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Although a number of therapeutic interventions for trigger-point inactivation have been studied, it remains controversial which intervention is better.

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the effectiveness of the kinesio taping and dry needling methods in patients with trigger-point related myofascial pain syndrome of the upper trapezius muscle.

METHODS:

A total of 42 patients were randomly allocated to the kinesio taping group ( $n=$ 23) and dry needling group ( $n=$ 19). The patients were assessed for pain, pressure pain threshold (PPT), cervical range of motion (CROM), and function at baseline, at short- and medium-term stages after treatment. To investigate the effects of the interventions over time, two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used.

RESULTS:

There was a significant improvement in pain intensity at rest and cervical motion, in the PPT readings ( $p<$ 0.05), in CROM ( $p<$ 0.05), and in function ( $p<$ 0.05) in both groups, with no superiority either ( $p>$ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Kinesio taping may be a choice of trigger point inactivation in patients who do not want to be needled or who show contraindication(s) to treatments other than kinesio taping.