Myofacial Pain Syndromes

This study is designed to evaluate a method to improve the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), a common condition that causes muscle pain, tenderness, and reduced movement due to the presence of trigger points in muscles. A commonly used treatment for this condition is the injection of a local anesthetic called lidocaine into these trigger points to relieve pain. However, the pain relief from lidocaine alone may be temporary. In this study, we are investigating whether adding a small amount of sodium bicarbonate to lidocaine can improve its effectiveness. Sodium bicarbonate may reduce the pain during injection and help the anesthetic work faster and possibly last longer. Participants in this study will be randomly assigned into one of two groups: One group will receive lidocaine alone. The other group will receive lidocaine mixed with sodium bicarbonate. The injection will be performed once into the painful muscle trigger points under sterile conditions. Pain levels will be assessed using a simple pain scale, and muscle activity will be measured using a non-invasive technique called surface electromyography (sEMG), which records muscle electrical activity. These measurements will be taken before the injection, immediately after, and during follow-up visits. Participants may experience mild discomfort during or after the injection, but all procedures are routinely used in clinical practice. Safety measures will be in place to manage any possible side effects. The goal of this study is to determine whether the combined injection provides better pain relief, improves muscle function, and enhances patient comfort compared to lidocaine alone.

This study would answer the following question: Is there a difference in the effects between IASTM and KT on pain intensity level, pain pressure threshold, cervical range of motion (ROM), functional disability level and satisfaction level in subjects with upper trapezius myofascial trigger points? The aims of this study are: 1. To investigate the effect of KT and IASTM on pain intensity level in subjects with upper trapezius myofascial trigger points. 2. To investigate the effects of KT and IASTM on pain pressure threshold in subjects with upper trapezius myofascial trigger points. 3. To investigate the effects of KT and IASTM on cervical range of motion (ROM) in subjects with myofascial trigger points. 4. To investigate the effect of KT and IASTM on functional disability level in subjects with upper trapezius myofascial trigger points. 5. To investigate the effects of KT and IASTM on satisfaction level in subjects with myofascial trigger points.