Comparison of Kinesio Taping, Dry Needling and Lidocain Injection Methods in Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by the presence of trigger points in muscles and fascia in various parts of the body. Myofascial pain syndrome is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems in adults, and its prevalence varies between 30-93%. Patients have symptoms such as pain (local or referred), loss of muscle strength, stiffness, and restriction of range of motion. Although the etiology of myofascial pain syndrome is not well understood, causes such as posture disorder, trauma, and ergonomic problems appear as etiology. Simon criteria are often used in the diagnosis. Apart from this, anamnesis and detailed physical examination are important in the diagnosis of MPS.

Dry needling is a treatment method which uses needles similar to those used in acupuncture, without any injectable drug to myofascial trigger points. Dry needling shows its effect through the exposure to various chemical mediators. The observation of a local course response in dry needling shows that the treatment is effective. Side effects such as bleeding, localized pain, vasovagal syncope, and rarely pneumothorax may occur during the treatment of dry needling.

Lidocaine injection and Dry needling are different applications that injectable drugs are not use in dry needling. Lidocain injection applied by giving a local anesthetic substance on the trigger point. It has been reported in the conducted studies that it has a similar effect as dry needling and that local pain is less common after injection.

Kinesiotaping (KT) is a treatment method developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase, which has been initially applied in the treatment of pain, and its use has become widespread in recent years. KT tape is a thin and flexible tape that allows joint movements. KT tape is widely used in the treatment of pain relief, muscle relaxation, edema reducement, improvement of muscle strength, and posture correction. Although the exact mechanism of KT is not well known, it is believed to cause a decrease in nociceptor pressure, create a space in the subcutaneous area, convenience in the removal of chemical mediators from the tissue, and also stimulation of somotosensory and proprioceptive mechanisms.

In our study, investigators aimed to compare the effectiveness of non-invasive KT on myofascial pain syndrome treatment with invasive treatment methods such as dry needling and lidocaine injections. The investigators hypothesized, that the effect of kinesiotherapy have similar results compared to the invasiv treatment methods in the management of MPS.