Comparison of the Effects of Kinesio Taping Versus Dry Needling on Pain Intensity, Shoulder range of Motion, and upper Limb Function in Patients with Myofascial Pain Syndrome in the Trapezius Muscle: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim:We hypothesized that both dry needling (DN) and Kinesio taping (KT) combined with exercise training would have short-term therapeutic effects. In this context, we aimed to compare the efficacy of DN versus KT combined with exercise training on pain intensity, shoulder range of motion (ROM), and upper limb function in patients with myofascial pain syndrome of the trapezius muscle.Methods:Fifty participants with myofascial pain syndrome of the trapezius muscle were randomly assigned to three groups; KT combined with exercise training (KTG, n=17), DN combined with exercise training (DNG, n=16), and only exercise training (ExG, n=17). The training duration was for 3 weeks. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), universal goniometer, and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire were used at baseline and after training.Results:Compared to DNG, VAS-activity (p=0.03; p=0.02) and DASH (p=0.01; p=0.03) scores were significantly decreased in favor of KTG and ExG. Shoulder flexion ROM increased significantly in KTG compared with DNG (p=0.008) and ExG (p=0.008).Conclusion:Compared to DN, the adjunct of KT to exercise training and exercise training alone have significant effects on reducing pain intensity and improving shoulder ROM and upper extremity functionality in patients with myofascial pain syndrome of the trapezius muscle.