Effects of Kinesio Taping on Pain and Quality of Life of Patients with Cervical Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Study

Objective: A variety of tools are available for myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) treatment; however, it is still one of the most challenging musculoskeletal disorders to treat. This study aimed to determine the effects of kinesio taping (KT) on pain and quality of life in patients with cervical MPS. Materials and Methods: A total of 55 patients were randomly assigned into therapeutic and sham KT groups. In addition to a home-based exercise program, KT was applied on trapezius muscle at 5-day intervals for 20 days. Pain severity and pressure pain threshold (PPT) were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) and algometer, respectively. Short form-36 (SF-36) scale was used to determine the patients’ health-related quality of life. All participants were evaluated before, immediately after, and 1 month after the end of treatment (follow-up visit). Results: The patient demographic characteristics were found to be similar in both groups. Immediately after the treatment, a statistically significant decrease in VAS and increased PPT and SF-36 scores in both groups were found, with sustained improvement at a follow-up visit. However, no significant difference was determined between the therapeutic and sham KT groups. Conclusion: KT combined with a home-based exercise program appears to decrease pain severity and improve the quality of life of patients with cervical MPS; however, comparable benefits were also obtained from sham therapy.