Repeated Electrical Point Stimulation (EPS) Treatments for Myofascial Trigger Points in the Upper Trapezius Muscle

Abstract

Electrical point stimulation (EPS) is suggested to decrease myofascial trigger point (MTrP) pain without influencing pressure pain threshold (PPT) following one treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine if repeated EPS treatments decrease pain perception or PPT. EPS decreased pain immediately following and 10 min following (p < .05) application. For those receiving EPS, pretreatment pain on day 1 was greater than pre- and posttreatments on days 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 (p < .05). Patients receiving EPS experienced less pain than placebo and control. Pain did not change for placebo or control (p > .05). PPT did not change for treatment, time, or day (p > .07).