Kinesio taping and manual pressure release: Short-term effects in subjects with myofasical trigger point

Study design Randomized controlled trial. Introduction Myofascial pain syndrome is characterized by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) and fascia tenderness. Purpose of the study We investigated the effects of manual pressure release (MPR) alone or in combination with taping (MPR/MKT) in subjects with MTrPs. Methods Fifteen and 16 subjects received MPR and MPR/MKT respectively. Outcomes including Pressure pain threshold, muscle stiffness, mechanomyography were assessed at baseline, post-intervention and 7-days later. Results Pressure pain threshold improved significantly (d = 1.79, p < 0.005) in both groups. Significant improvement in muscle stiffness in the MPR/MKT group (0.27–0.49 mm) as compared to the MPR group (−0.02–0.23 mm). Mechanomyography amplitude in the MPR/MKT group was significantly higher than that of the MPR group (p < 0.05). Conclusion MPR and MPR/MKT are effective in reducing pain in these subjects. MPR/MKT has a greater effect on muscle stiffness and contraction amplitude. Level of evidence IV.