Different Taping Methods in Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Myofascial pain syndrome is a musculoskeletal pain condition that originates from localized, tight areas of skeletal muscle and fascia, called trigger points. Myofascial pain syndrome is the most common cause of musculoskeletal pain and its prevalence in the community is reported to be 12-55%. Patients with myofascial pain syndrome have pain, stiffness, tenderness, burning, and squeezing sensations in the muscles. In treating myofascial pain syndrome, trigger points should be inactivated and normal body mechanics should be corrected as much as possible. Treatment of the trigger point may be the main goal of a physiotherapy rehabilitation program as it can rapidly reduce acute pain. The goal is to control pain, restore limited ROM, and return the muscle to its optimal length and position. One of the treatment methods applied in MAS is kinesio taping. Kinesio Taping is a non-invasive, painless and less time-consuming method with fewer side effects, widely used as a therapeutic tool in various prevention and rehabilitation protocols. It differs from other rigid tapes because it can stretch significantly (130-140% of its original length), reducing mechanical movement limitations and mimicking skin thickness and elasticity. It has been found to be effective in reducing pain and muscle spasm, increasing range of motion, improving local blood and lymph circulation, reducing edema, strengthening weakened muscles, and controlling joint instability and postural alignment.

Kinesiological tapes can be applied with different shapes and techniques according to the shape and size of the application area and the purpose of the application. Application techniques can be listed as muscle techniques, functional correlation techniques, fascia correlation techniques, star techniques (circulation / lymphatic correction technique), ligament/tendon correction (ligament) technique, mechanical correction techniques, and neural techniques. Functional correlation technique, which is one of the techniques the investigators will prefer in our study, is just above the area of pain, it lifts the skin, fascia, and soft tissue thanks to the elastic properties of the band, thereby reducing the pressure under the application area, reducing the irritation in the chemical receptors and nociceptors, reducing the lymphatic circulation. It is claimed that it increases blood circulation and helps to remove exudate more effectively, and as a result, it helps to reduce pain. The fascia correlation technique, which is the other technique the investigators would prefer to use in our study, is used to bring the fascial tissue to the desired position. The main goal is to reduce tension and adhesions by making vibration (oscillation) movement between the fascia layers. Another technique the investigators will use in our study is the star technique. This technique is aimed at reducing the pressure on the lymphatic vessels and creating a gap that allows circulation in the tissue. Fan-cut tape is often used. Our study aims to compare the effects of 3 different taping techniques (correction, fascia correction, and star technique) in individuals with Myofascial Pain Syndrome with a trigger point in the trapezius muscle.


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Be between the ages of 18-30
* Being diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome
* Pain in the upper trapezius area
* Detection of a taut band in the upper trapezius region on examination
* Presence of at least one active trigger point within the taut band in the upper trapezius -region on examination
* The pain caused by the compression of the trigger point is the pain that the patient complains about
* Having signed the informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

* Those who have had major surgery or trauma related to the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine and upper extremities
* Those who have a history of any operation related to the head, neck and shoulder region
* Those with neuromuscular disease
* Those with rheumatic disease in the active period
* Those with systemic diseases (Diabetes, hypothyroidism, infection, malignancy...)
* Those with any pathology related to musculoskeletal disease, especially in the cervical region (cervical discopathy, cervical spondylosis, pathologies related to the shoulder joint and surrounding soft tissues, scoliosis, kyphosis, leg length difference, polio sequelae, developmental hip dysplasia...)
* Those with serious psychological problems (BDI score of 30 and above)
* Those with obesity (BMI≥30 kg/m2)
* Those with tape allergies