Which Type of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is More Effective in Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

Which Type of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is More Effective in Myofascial Pain Syndrome? A Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this project is to compare the effects of conventional, burst and modulated TENS primarily on pain level, number of trigger points, pressure pain threshold, neck joint range of motion and disability in MAS treatment.

Myofascial pain syndrome (MAS) is a regional pain syndrome characterized by trigger points detected by one or several muscle groups and reflected pain manifestation caused by palpation of these points. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a physical therapy modality that provides an analgesic effect by delivering a controlled low voltage electrical current to the nervous system through electrodes placed on the skin. Knowledge on how modulation parameters such as frequency, wave width and form alter TENS activity are limited.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having a diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome according to the criteria defined by Travell and Simons

Exclusion Criteria:

• The onset of symptoms is less than 3 months
• Severe cervical disc hernia, radiculopathy or myelopathy
• Stage 3-4 cervical degeneration
• Tumoral, infectious, psychiatric, neurological, uncontrolled systemic disease
• Cardiac pacemaker
• Diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome
• Kyphoscoliosis
• Acute trauma history
• Having had previous brain or shoulder surgery
• Injections for MAS and / or physiotherapy programs in the last 3 months
• Pregnancy