Kinesio taping and manual pressure release: Short-term effects in subjects with myofasical trigger point

Study designRandomized controlled trial.IntroductionMyofascial pain syndrome is characterized by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) and fascia tenderness.Purpose of the studyWe investigated the effects of manual pressure release (MPR) alone or in combination with taping (MPR/MKT) in subjects with MTrPs.MethodsFifteen and 16 subjects received MPR and MPR/MKT respectively. Outcomes including Pressure pain threshold, muscle stiffness, mechanomyography were assessed at baseline, post-intervention and 7-days later.ResultsPressure pain threshold improved significantly (d = 1.79, p < 0.005) in both groups. Significant improvement in muscle stiffness in the MPR/MKT group (0.27–0.49 mm) as compared to the MPR group (−0.02–0.23 mm). Mechanomyography amplitude in the MPR/MKT group was significantly higher than that of the MPR group (p < 0.05).ConclusionMPR and MPR/MKT are effective in reducing pain in these subjects. MPR/MKT has a greater effect on muscle stiffness and contraction amplitude.Level of evidenceIV.