Percutaneous Microelectrolysis (MEP) Versus Ischemic Compression in Miofascial Trigger Points

Short Term Effects in Pressure-pain Threshold of Percutaneous Galvanic Microcurrent Versus Ischemic Compression in the Trapezius Trigger Points

The Percutaneous Microelectrolysis ® (MEP®) is a technique that employs a galvanic current up to 990 uA, which is applied percutaneously with an acupuncture needle connected to the cathode. Although it is used in tendinopathies, trigger points and muscle injuries, among other conditions, its bases are mostly empirical and there is lack of evidence.

Ischemic compression is a manual therapy that is usually applied in muscle pain.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) usually presents painful myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). One methodology used to quantify the pain in MPS is the algometry, which measures the pressure pain threshold (PPT).

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of MEP® with ischemic compression on MTrPs with algometry.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy volunteers
• Between 18 to 30 years old.
• Who referred MTrP in the upper trapezious.
• PPT equal or less than 3 KgF/cm2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Being pregnant.
• Taking analgesic medication at least 24 hours before the intervention.
• Being in physical therapy treatment.
• Needle phobia.