TECAR Therapy Might be an Alternative to Dry Needling in the Treatment of Active Myofascial Trigger Points in Upper Trapezius
TECAR Therapy Might be an Alternative to Dry Needling in the Treatment of Active Myofascial Trigger Points in Upper Trapezius
The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of dry needling (DN) and capacitive and resistive transfer of energy (TECAR) therapy in the treatment of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) as well comparison of their efficacy.
Research hypothesis:
Capacitive and resistive energy transfer therapy is comparable to dry needling therapy for the treatment of myofascial trigger points.
It is estimated that the presence of trigger points is the main cause of pain in 30-85% of patients visiting primary health care facilities and pain management clinics. The presence of trigger points may significantly affect the patient's functional status and daily functioning. Recently, diagnostic criteria and methods of treating trigger points have evolved significantly. However, the usefulness of different imaging methods in the diagnosis of trigger points has not yet been established. Despite numerous studies, the long-term effectiveness of the dry needling method is still unknown. Furthermore, there is no available research on the short- and long-term effectiveness of capacitive and resistive energy transfer therapy in the treatment of trigger points.
Therefore, the objectives of the work were:
Determination and comparison of the short- and long-term effects of capacitive and resistive energy transfer therapy and the dry needling technique of myofascial trigger points located in the upper trapezius muscle (UT) on the strength, neck range of motion and pain intensity within this muscle.
The study is planned to include a group of 26 men aged 25 to 45 who suffer from pain caused by the presence of myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. The subjects will be divided into two groups of equal number of people. The first group will undergo therapy using the dry needling technique, while the second group will undergo capacitive and resistive energy transfer therapy.
In order to determine the immediate effects of capacitive and resistive energy transfer therapy and dry needling techniques, measurements of muscle strength, the intensity of pain in the upper trapezius muscle and neck range of motion will be performed before and after each therapeutic session (2 session in 2 weeks are planed). In turn, to determine the long-term effects of capacitive and resistive energy transfer therapy and dry needling, the next above-mentioned measurements will be performed four weeks after the end of first therapy.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: