Association between myofascial trigger point therapy and conditioned pain modulation

Szikszay TM, Adamczyk WM, Carvalho GF, Dolotov D, Erdmann R, Heitkamp H, Jung A, Luebke L, Rogosch K, Luedtke K (2023)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Journal

Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies Elsevier

Book Volume: 38

Pages Range: 73-80

DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.12.005

Abstract

Introduction

Myofascial trigger point therapy (MTrP) is a widely used therapeutic approach, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Mechanisms discussed include peripheral involvement of muscles as well as central pain modulating processes such as the conditioned pain modulation (CPM). The aim of this study was to investigate whether the analgesic response of MTrP and the analgesic response of CPM correlate in asymptomatic participants in order to identify shared underlying mechanisms of MTrP and CPM.


Method

Both, CPM and MTrP protocols consisted of heat-based test stimuli (heat pain thresholds before and after the intervention) and pressure-based (conditioning) stimuli. Asymptomatic participants (n = 94) were randomly assigned to receive either mild, intense or no pressure stimuli (between-group design) to both the fingernail and the MTrP of the infraspinatus muscle (within-group design). Pressure stimuli at both locations (fingernail, MTrP) were applied with a pressure algometer for 120 s and continuously adjusted to maintain a constant pain intensity of mild or intense pain. All thermal stimuli were applied on the lower leg with a thermal stimulator.


Results

A significant correlation was shown between the analgesic effect of CPM and MTrP therapy for mild (r = 0.53, p = 0.002) and intensive stimuli (r = 0.73, p < 0.001). 17.3% of the variance of the MTrP effect were explained by CPM after mild stimulation, and 47.1% after intense stimulation. Pain-related characteristics did not explain the variance within the analgesic response using a regression analysis.


Conclusions

Between the analgesic responses following MTrP and CPM paradigms, a moderate to strong correlation was observed, suggesting shared underlying mechanisms.

Authors with CRIS profile

Andres Jung Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit

Involved external institutions

Universität zu Lübeck DE Germany (DE) Hochschule Furtwangen DE Germany (DE) Institut für angewandte Physiotherapie (INAP/O) DE Germany (DE) Academy of Physical Education PL Poland (PL)

How to cite

APA:

Szikszay, T.M., Adamczyk, W.M., Carvalho, G.F., Dolotov, D., Erdmann, R., Heitkamp, H.,... Luedtke, K. (2023). Association between myofascial trigger point therapy and conditioned pain modulation. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 38, 73-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.12.005

MLA:

Szikszay, Tibor M, et al. "Association between myofascial trigger point therapy and conditioned pain modulation." Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 38 (2023): 73-80.

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