Comparison of High Power Pain Threshold Ultrasound and Ischemic Compression Techniques for Treatment of Trigger Points

Gazi University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial

Treatments: Other: ischemic compression; Other: high power pain threshold ultrasound which the dose was kept constant; Other: high power pain threshold ultrasound which the dose reduced to one half

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04823013

B.30.2.AYD

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of ischemic compression and two different application methods of high power pain threshold ultrasound techniques on latent trigger point treatment. Asymptomatic subjects divided into three groups. First group took high power pain threshold ultrasound in which the intensity is kept constant at the pain level; second group took high power pain threshold ultrasound which the intensity is kept constant at half the pain level and third group took ischemic compression. All participants were asked to complete the questionnaires, which assessed pain, psychological factors and disability before treatment, after 1 week and 1 month follow-up. After each participants completed the questionnaire, the physical therapist evaluated the MTrPs. MTrPs assessment was performed before treatment, immediately after treatment, after 1 week and 1 month follow-up.

Full description

Myofascial trigger points have been defined as discrete and hyperirritable areas located within a taut band of skeletal muscle or fascia which when compressed produce pain, tenderness, dysfunction and autonomic phenomena. The treatment techniques aimed to return the fiber groups affected by myofascial trigger points to their normal length and endplates to their normal function. Although both ischemic compression and two different application methods of high power pain threshold ultrasound techniques are effective methods in the treatment of trigger points , there are no studies showing which technique is more effective. It is aimed to to compare the efficacy of ischemic compression and two different application methods of high power pain threshold ultrasound techniques on myofascial trigger point treatment.

Enrollment: 153 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 50 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. being aged between 18-50
2. the presence of a minimum of 3 latent trigger points in Upper Trapezius, Levator Scapulae, Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Deltoid Anterior, Pectoralis Major, Pectoralis Minor muscles
3. no health problems
4. signed the voluntary consent form

Exclusion criteria

1. have a neck, spine or shoulder injury in the last 6 months
2. continued neck and back pain in the last 6 months
3. having a skin disease that may affect upper extremity assessment
4. malign and benign tumors
5. pain relief medication
6. having psychiatric treatment. -

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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153 participants in 3 patient groups

high power pain threshold ultrasound which the dose was kept constant group (HPPT-US 1)

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in HPPT-US 1 group received one session of HPPT-US treatment which the dose was kept constant. The technique delivers sound waves directly to the myofascial trigger points and results in immediate pain relief.

Treatment:

Other: high power pain threshold ultrasound which the dose was kept constant

high power pain threshold ultrasound which the dose reduced to one half group (HPPT-US 2)

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in HPPT-US 2 group received one session of HPPT-US treatment which the dose reduced to one half. The technique delivers sound waves directly to the myofascial trigger points and results in immediate pain relief.

Treatment:

Other: high power pain threshold ultrasound which the dose reduced to one half

ischemic compression group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in IC group received one session of ischemic compression therapy. Ischemic compression is a therapy technique used in manual therapy, where blockage of blood in an area of the body is deliberately made, so that a resurgence of local blood flow will occur upon release.

Treatment:

Other: ischemic compression