eAbstracts ~ Comparison of Miniscalpel-needle Release, Acupuncture Needling, and Stretching Exercise to Trigger Point in Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Authors: Ma C, Wu S, Li G, Xiao X, Mai M, Yan T

Purpose: Myofascial pain syndrome is one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal pain. This investigation focuses on the effectiveness of three treatment options: miniscalpel-needle release (MSN), acupuncture needling and self neck-stretching exercises.

Results: Eighty three patients were randomly assigned to three groups: group 1 received MSN release and stretching exercises, group 2 received acupuncture needle treatment and stretching exercises, and group 3 was only treated by stretching exercises. The effectiveness was measured at two weeks and three months after treatment began. An initial measurement of pain was also taken prior to the start of the study.

Both groups 1 and 2 experienced improvement in the measurement of subjective pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, and contralateral bending range of motion of the cervical spine. But, group 1 had a “statistically significant reduction in PI, an increase in PPT, contralateral bending ROM of cervical spine at 3 months follow-up,” leading the researches to determine Miniscalpel-needle release as the most effective treatment.

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Journal: The Clinical Journal of Pain (March/April 2010)