Intratissue Electrolysis (EPI) is Effective in Deactivating Myofascial Trigger Points (MTrPs). (EPIEMG)

The Effectiveness of Intratissue Percutaneous Electrolysis in the Shortening of the Flexor Hallucis Brevis Caused by Myofascial Pain Syndrome. A Pre-post Study.

Invasive physiotherapy techniques, such as Intratissue Percutaneous Electroly-sis (IPE), have numerous beneficial effects depending on the pathology being treated, in-cluding the deactivation of myofascial trigger points (MTP) caused by myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).

The objectives are (1) evaluate the effectiveness of low intesity IPE treatment com-pared to DN on the shortening of FHB in patients with MPS, in 4 and 12 weeks evaluation, (2) assess the distribution of plantar pressures after the interventions and (3) evaluate the modification of FHB activation following the interventions.

Patients are divided into two intervention groups (IPE; n=18) and (DN; n=22). Before the intervention, variables of mean and maximum pressure are measured in all patients using a pressure platform, and neuromuscular activity is assessed through surface electromy-ography (sEMG). These measures are repeated at 4- and 12-weeks post-intervention. The results show efficacy in both techniques, with significant differences at both 4 weeks and 12 weeks in favor of the IPE group, both in plantar pressure distribution and muscular activity.

The first measurement (week of November 25, 2024) is considered the baseline measurement since the subjects had not been previously intervened. Therefore, the measurement is first performed using the pressure platform and sEMG, followed by the intervention of DN or IPE based on the group to which the subjects were previously as-signed.

At week 4 from the first measurement (week of December 23, 2024), the second data collection is conducted, using the same procedure as in the first measurement.

At week 12 from the initial measurement (week of February 17, 2025), the third data collection takes place using the same procedure as the previous two, with the difference that in this final measurement there will be no intervention of DN or IPE.

Inclusion Criteria:

• subjects with ages between 18 and 65 years,
• hypersensitive spot within a taut band in FHB muscle.
• pain upon stimulation of the MTP.
• painful limit to the full range of motion

Exclusion Criteria:

• subjets who had bilateral LTP present.
• who have had a lower limb injury or surgery within the last 6 months.
• subjectss with active pathologies at the time of measurement in the lower limb.
• subjectss with cognitive impairment.
• subjectss with belonephobia or contraindications for the use of needles (oral anticoagulant therapy).