J Korean Pain Soc.  2004 Dec;17(2):198-201. 10.3344/jkps.2004.17.2.198.

The Effect of Acupotomy in Trapezius Myofascial Pain Syndrome

• Shin HD
• Yoon KB
• Yoon DM
• Kim WO
• Lee YK
• Kim WJ
• Kim SH

• KMID: 2104854
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/jkps.2004.17.2.198

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Myofascial pain syndrome is characterized by the presence of hypersensitive points, called "trigger points". Trigger points are discrete, focal, hyperirritable spots located in a taut band of skeletal muscle. Numerous therapeutic approaches have been used to treat myofascial pain syndrome. An acupotomy has been applied for various pain conditions in China since the 1980's. This investigation evaluated the efficacy of an acupotomy in myofascial pain syndrome. METHODS: Twenty females, with myofascial pain syndrome on trapezius muscle, were treated with an acupotomy. The pre- treatment resting and pressing on pain site visual analog scores (VAS) were compared with those 7 days post-treatment. At the same time, the effects of the acupotomy were graded as almost complete pain relief, good relief, slight relief, no change or aggravation at 7 and 14 days post-treatment. RESULTS: The pre-treatment resting and pressing on the pain site mean VAS were 7.2 and 9.2, respectively. The post-treatment resting and pressing on pain site mean VAS decreased significantly to 1.0 and 2.8, respectively (P< 0.05). The effects 7 days post-treatment were complete pain relief = 3 (15%), good relief = 8 (40%) and slight relief = 9 (45%). The effects of 14 days post-treatment were complete pain relief = 4 (20%), good relief = 11 (55%) and slight relief = 5 (25%). CONCLUSIONS: An acupotomy is an alternative effective treatment modality for myofascial pain syndrome.

Keyword

acupotomy; myofascial pain syndrome; taut band; trigger point

MeSH Terms

China
Female
Humans
Muscle, Skeletal
Myofascial Pain Syndromes*
Superficial Back Muscles*
Trigger Points