Dry Needling and Kinesio Taping in the Treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Comparison of Dry Needling and Kinesio Taping Methods in the Treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of kinesio tape and dry needling in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome of the trapezius muscle.

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common problem with manifesting itself such as trigger points, taut bands, range of motion limitations and pain. One of the most common place for MPS is neck region and trapezius muscle is the common cause of these symptoms and 9 different trigger point location has been identified on trapezius muscle. Myofascial trigger points, characterized by hypersensitive nodules, can be palpated in stretched bands in the affected muscles. In order to eliminate trigger points fascial releasing, dry needling, kinesio taping and other physical therapy applications can be used.

Although there are several studies investigating the effectiveness of Kinesio taping (KT) and Dry needling(DN) methods in MPS, it is controversial which one is superior to others.

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of exercise, KT, and DN methods on pain and disability in the treatment of upper trapezoidal muscle MPS.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being diagnosis with MPS and having active myofascial trigger points on trapezius muscle

Exclusion Criteria:

• Fibromyalgia
• a history of myofascial trigger point injection
• acute trauma
• inflammatory joint or muscle disease
• infection or malignancy on cervical region
• neurological disorders
• cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy
• inadequate cooperation for the treatment
• a history of neck surgery or spinal degeneration