Influence of scapular position on the pressure pain threshold of the upper trapezius muscle region

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are among the main causes of disability in modern life. Myofascial trigger points are very common among musculoskeletal disorders and may occur through ordinary common activities. This study aimed to determine the combined effects of laser therapy and Ischemic Compression (IC) on the treatment of Myofascial Trigger Points (MTrPs) at the upper trapezius muscle. Materials and Methods: Twenty men with at least one active trigger point at their upper trapezius muscle voluntarily participated in this study. Trigger points were under treatment of laser irradiation (6 Joules per point) and also ischemic compression. Treatment approaches were applied over the pain point every other day for 5 sessions in 10 days. Neck disability index, pain intensity by visual analog scale, pressure pain threshold by algometry, and cervical lateral flexion by goniometer were assessed and recorded before the intervention, and immediately after the last session. Results: At the end of treatment, statistically significant improvements were seen in the neck disability index, VAS value, pressure pain threshold, and cervical lateral flexion. VAS values of the treatment and control groups were compared with the baseline (P<0.001). Conclusion: Application of combined laser and compression therapy was effective on the pain and level of disability of patients with trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle.

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Therapeutic Effect of Superficial Acupuncture in Treating Myofascial Pain of the Upper Trapezius Muscle: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2018/9125746 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Chao Ching Wang ◽

Tse Hung Huang ◽

Kuo Ching Chiou ◽

Zi Yu Chang

Keyword(s):

Pain Threshold ◽

Myofascial Pain ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Pressure Pain Threshold ◽

Trapezius Muscle ◽

Pain Syndrome ◽

Myofascial Pain Syndrome ◽

Trigger Points ◽

Upper Trapezius ◽

Upper Trapezius Muscle

The aim of this study was to compare the treatment efficacies of superficial acupuncture and traditional acupuncture on trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle. Forty people were recruited and randomly allocated to the traditional and superficial acupuncture groups. Each subject received two treatments per week in a four-week period. Outcomes were measured by visual analogue scale (VAS), the Northwick Park neck pain questionnaire scores (NPQ), and pressure pain threshold (PPT) assessments of trigger points. Data collected before the interventions were considered as baseline. Assessments were performed after the first treatment and at the end of the second and fourth weeks of treatment. Patients reported significant (p<0.05) and immediate improvements in VAS and PPT for both superficial acupuncture and traditional acupuncture after the first treatment and after two and four weeks. Significant improvements (p<0.05) in NPQ were attained after two weeks of treatments in both groups. Because superficial acupuncture is associated with less pain while producing immediate pain relief, we recommend it for treating myofascial pain syndrome in the upper trapezius muscle.

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Changes in Pressure Pain Threshold of the Upper Trapezius, Levator Scapular and Rhomboid Muscles during Continuous Computer Work

Journal of Physical Therapy Science ◽

10.1589/jpts.25.1021 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 25 (8) ◽

pp. 1021-1022 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Won-gyu Yoo

Keyword(s):

Pain Threshold ◽

Pressure Pain Threshold ◽

Computer Work ◽

Pressure Pain ◽

Upper Trapezius ◽

Rhomboid Muscles

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Effect of backpack shoulder straps length on cervical posture and upper trapezius pressure pain threshold

Journal of Physical Therapy Science ◽

10.1589/jpts.28.2437 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 28 (9) ◽

pp. 2437-2440 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Osama Ragaa Abdelraouf ◽

Hamada Ahmed Hamada ◽

Ali Selim ◽

Wael Shendy ◽

Hoda Zakaria

Keyword(s):

Pain Threshold ◽

Pressure Pain Threshold ◽

Pressure Pain ◽

Upper Trapezius ◽

Cervical Posture

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Association between widespread pressure pain hypersensitivity, health history, and trigger points in subjects with neck pain

Scandinavian Journal of Pain ◽

10.1016/j.sjpain.2017.04.013 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 168-168

Author(s):

Matteo Castaldo ◽

Antonella Catena ◽

César Fernández-de-las-Peñas ◽

Lars Arendt-Nielsen

Keyword(s):

Neck Pain ◽

Tibialis Anterior ◽

Trapezius Muscle ◽

Trigger Points ◽

Pressure Pain ◽

Pain Hypersensitivity ◽

Health History ◽

Upper Trapezius ◽

Upper Trapezius Muscle ◽

Extensor Carpi Radialis

Abstract Aims Health history (medical conditions, comorbid musculoskeletal pain, surgical operation, long term intake of medications) may contribute to central sensitization. The duration and the number of the peripheral nociceptive input seem to play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of sensitization. No study has previously investigated these relationships. Our aim was to investigate the association between pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and health history in patients with neck pain, and the role of active trigger points (TrPs) on PPTs. Methods Thirty-four subjects with mechanical neck pain and 34 with whiplash-associated neck pain participated. They underwent an assessment of PPTs over upper trapezius, extensor carpi radialis longus, and tibialis anterior muscles, and were screened for the presence of active TrPs in upper trapezius muscle. Further, patients fulfilled a questionnaire investigating health history outcomes number and duration. Results Significant negative correlations between all PPTs and the duration of health history outcomes were found in both groups (all, P < 0.02), with no correlations between PPTs and the number of health history outcomes (all, P > 0.15). Significant lower PPTs over upper trapezius, extensor carpi radialis longus, and tibialis anterior (all, P < 0.01) muscles were found in subjects with active TrPs as compared to those with latent TrPs. Conclusions Widespread pressure pain hypersensitivity was associated with the duration, but not the number, of health history outcomes suggesting that long-lasting health complains may act as triggering factor driving sensitization in individuals with neck pain regardless the origin of neck pain. Patients with active TrPs in the upper trapezius muscle showed higher widespread pressure sensitivity than those with latent TrPs. These data should be included in the assessment of neck pain subjects, as they may be useful for planning the management of their symptoms.

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