The therapeutic effect of collateral meridian therapy is comparable to acupoint pressure therapy in treating myofascial pain syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: This study compared the therapeutic effects of collateral meridian therapy (CMT) with traditional acupoint pressure therapy (APT) in patients with unilateral upper back pain.

Material and methods: Forty-nine patients with active myofascial trigger points in upper trapezius muscle were randomly allocated to the control (CTL), APT, or CMT group. Each subject in the CMT and APT groups received 2 sessions of treatment per week over 1 month.

Results: Patients in the APT and CMT groups showed significant improvements 1 month after treatment in visual analogue scale, range of motion, pain pressure threshold, regional superficial blood flow, and physical health, as compared to the CTL group. No significant differences in outcome measures were found between APT and CMT groups 1 month after treatment.

Conclusion: Both APT and CMT have comparable therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of unilateral upper back pain with active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle.

Keywords: Acupoint pressure therapy; Collateral meridian therapy; Myofascial pain syndrome; Trigger points.