Investigating the effectiveness of adding microcurrent therapy to a traditional treatment program in myofascial pain syndrome in terms of neck pain and function

Abstract

Introduction To investigate the effect of microcurrent on pain, pain threshold, range of motion, neck muscle strength, and neck function. Methods It is a pilot study involving 28 female subjects (aged 18–24 years) complaining of neck pain due to active unilateral trigger points in upper trapezius muscle. The subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups: group I (<i>n</i> = 15) received microcurrent (frequency: 20 Hz, intensity: 25–30 µA) and traditional treatment in the form of stretching exercise for upper fibre of trapezius, isometric strengthening exercise, ischaemic compression technique; group II (<i>n</i> = 13) received only traditional treatment. All subjects received 2 sessions per week for 3 weeks. Results There was a significant improvement (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in cervical range of motion, pain level, neck disability index, and pain threshold in both treatment groups. Isometric muscle strength was significantly increased (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in group I, with no significant (<i>p</i> > 0.05) difference in group II. Group I showed a more significant effect in all measured variables than group II. Neck disability index and muscle strength presented a significant change (<i>p</i> < 0.05) with respect to group and time interaction. Conclusions Microcurrent therapy added to traditional treatment increased the effectiveness of myofascial pain syndrome treatment as compared with traditional treatment alone.