Finding the Most Effective Treatment Method of Myofascial Trigger Points: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: This systematic review focused toward finding the most effective treatment option of Myofascial Trigger Points of the common types (dry needling, compression, ultrasound, etc.).

Methods: PubMed was used to obtain full-text peer-reviewed articles comparing treatment types of Myofascial Trigger Points to one another. Results of studies were analyzed and compared.

Results: Eleven total articles were used, and eight were study-based. Ultrasound was proven to be only used as an identification method for finding MTrP’s. Dry needling, Kinesio taping, compression, and laser therapy were all found to be effective in different ways with different benefits.

Discussion: Results of this statistical analysis show that the most effective treatment method of myofascial trigger points should ultimately be left up to the clinician and their patient. The qualifications of effectiveness change depending on each specific case and so patients should look at systematic reviews such as this one and attempt different methods to find which works best for them.

Keywords: Myofascial Trigger Points, Treatment, Effectiveness, Athletes, Myofascial Pain Syndrome