Abstract
Many people continue suffering from myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) defined as a regional pain syndrome characterized by muscle pain caused by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) clinically. Muscle spasm and block of blood circulation can be noticed in the taut bands. In the MTrP region, nociceptors can be sensitized by the peripheral inflammatory factors and contracture of fascia can also be induced. Traditional treatments of MPS include stretching therapy, thermal treatment, electrical stimulation, massage, manipulation, trigger points injection, acupuncture, and medicine. However, the pain syndrome may not be relieved even under multiple therapies. Recently, the Kinesio Taping (KT) method is popularly used in sports injuries, postoperative complications, and various pain problems, but little research is focused on MPS with KT method. In this paper, we review the research studies on the application to KT in treating MPS and other related issues. It appears that the KT application can elevate the subcutaneous space and then increase the blood circulation and lymph fluid drainage to reduce the chemical factors around the MTrP region. Therefore, it is suggested that KT method can be used as a regular treatment or added to the previous treatment for myofascial pain.
Highlights
Researches conducted by Mense [23, 24] for central sensitization reported that persistent stimulation of sensory afference from muscles would lead to neuroplastic changes in the posterior horn of the spinal cord and allodynia often associated with active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs)
In Simsek’s research [67], for outcomes in subacromial impingement syndrome with Kinesio Taping (KT) in addition to exercise therapy comparing to the sham taping, pain during movement in the therapeutic group was significantly lower at the 5th day (P < 0.01) in intergroup comparisons
KT method was applied in sports injuries, postoperative complications, various pain problems, and many other conditions
Summary
Myofascial pain syndrome, defined as muscle pain due to myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) [1], has been considered to be related to poor postures, neuromusculoskeletal disorders, or systemic diseases [2]. Patients with myofascial pain complain about local pain in the muscle, often with referred pain. The MTrP in a taut band of skeletal muscle can be palpated and local twitch response can be elicited by snapping of the MTrP [3]. In patients suffering from MPS, both latent and active MTrPs may be noted, with characters of spontaneous pain sensation or pain in response to the muscle movement in active MTrPs and tender without spontaneous pain sensation in latent MTrPs. Patient with MPS begins with one active MTrP, called primary MTrP, in the affected muscle due to reasons mentioned above. When under inappropriate treatment, expanding of pain region and additional active MTrPs, called secondary or satellite MTrPs, will develop [1]
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