Comparison of High Power Pain Threshold Ultrasound and Ischemic Compression Techniques for the Treatment of Latent Myofascial Trigger Points: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Objective Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) 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 to their optimum length and end plates to their optimum function. Ischemic Compression (IC) and of High Power Pain Threshold Ultrasound (HPPT-US) are among the treatment techniques used for MTrPs. The aim of the current study is to compare the efficacy of IC and HTTP-US which was applied in different ways on MTrPs treatment.

Patients and Methods This is a randomized prospective study conducted with 153 participants have at least three latent trigger points. Participants received HPPT-US technique in which the intensity is kept constant at the pain level, HPPT-US technique in which the intensity is kept constant at half the pain level or IC. Outcome measures were the Visual Analog Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Neck Pain and Disability Scale, number of deactivated MTrPs and Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT).

Results Pain, psychological status and disability improved in each group; there was no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). PPT increased in each group; a significant difference was found between the groups (p<0.05). IC was slightly more effective than HPPT-US.

Conclusion Our results have shown that HPPT-US which was applied in different ways and IC were effective therapies for latent trigger points.

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund Myofasziale Triggerpunkte (MTrPs) wurden als diskrete und hyperreizbare Bereiche innerhalb eines Spannbandes von Skelettmuskeln oder Faszien bezeichnet, die, wenn sie zusammengedrückt werden, Schmerzen, Druckschmerz, Funktionsstörungen und autonome Phänomene verursachen. Die Behandlungstechniken haben zum Ziel, die Fasergruppen auf ihre optimum Länge und die Endplatten auf ihre optimum Funktion zurückzuführen. Ischämische Kompression (IC) und Hochleistungs-Schmerzschwellen-Ultraschall (HPPT-US) gehören zu den Behandlungstechniken, die bei MTrPs eingesetzt werden. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie ist der Vergleich der Wirksamkeit von IC und HPPT-US, die auf unterschiedliche Weise bei der Behandlung von MTrPs angewendet wurden.

Methode Es handelt sich um eine randomisierte prospektive Studie mit 153 Teilnehmern mit mindestens drei latenten Triggerpunkten. Die Teilnehmer erhielten die HPPT-US-Technik, bei der die Intensität konstant auf dem Schmerzniveau gehalten wird, die HPPT-US-Technik, bei der die Intensität konstant auf der Hälfte des Schmerzniveaus gehalten wird, oder die IC. Die Zielparameter waren die Visuelle Analogskala, das Beck-Depressions-Inventar, die Nackenschmerz- und Behinderungsskala, die Anzahl der deaktivierten MTrPs und die Druckschmerzschwelle (PPT).

Ergebnisse Schmerzen, psychologischer Zustand und Behinderung verbesserten sich in jeder Gruppe; es zeigte sich kein statistisch signifikanter Unterschied zwischen den Gruppen (p<0.05). Die PPT erhöhte sich in jeder Gruppe; es zeigte sich ein statistisch signifikanter Unterschied zwischen den Gruppen (p<0.05). IC war etwas wirksamer als HPPT-US.

Diskussion Unsere Ergebnisse haben gezeigt, dass HPPT-US, das auf unterschiedliche Weise angewendet wurde, und IC wirksame Therapien für latente Triggerpunkte waren.

Key words

high power pain threshold ultrasound - ischemic compression - trigger points - pain - pain pressure threshold

Schlüsselwörter

HESU - Triggerpunkte - Schmerz - ischämische kompressionstherapie - Schmerzdruckschwelle

Publication History

Received: 15 December 2021

Accepted: 27 September 2022

Article published online:
14 November 2022

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