The effect of laser therapy and ischemic compression on active trigger points in upper trapezius muscle

Abstract

Introduction: Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is a common muscular disorder characterized by a referral pain to a particular area after irritating the myofascial trigger point. This study aimed to determine the combined treatment effect of laser therapy and ischemic compression of an active myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle. Materials and Methods: This is a clinical trial study conducted on 15 subjects with Active Trigger Points (ATPs). In one session, 15 subjects received laser therapy and ischemic compression. The assessment was done immediately after the treatment. We used the visual analog scale for the measurement of pain intensity, algometry (FG-5020, Taiwan made) for pressure pain threshold, and goniometer for cervical lateral flexion. Results: The cervical lateral flexion after the intervention was significantly higher than that before the intervention (P<0.001). Also, the post-operative pressure pain threshold was significantly higher than that before the intervention (P<0.001). The level of pain decreased after the intervention, but this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.90). Conclusion: according to this study, the laser therapy combined with ischemic compression can significantly change the pressure pain threshold and cervical lateral flexion in patients with active trigger points in their upper trapezius muscles.