Myofascial Trigger Points Therapy Modifies Thermal Map of Gluteal Region

Abstract

Background. Thermal imaging may be effectively used in musculoskeletal system diagnostics and therapy evaluation; thus, it may be successfully applied in myofascial trigger points assessment. Objective. Investigation of thermal pattern changes after myofascial trigger points progressive compression therapy in healthy males and females. Methods. The study included 30 healthy people (15 females and 15 males) with age range 19–34 years (mean age: 23.1 ± 4.21). Thermograms of myofascial trigger points were taken pre- and posttherapy and consecutively in the 15th and 30th minutes. Pain reproducible by palpation intensity was assessed with numeric rating scale. Results. Progressive compression therapy leads to myofascial trigger points temperature (p=0.02) and surface (p=0.01) in males. In females no statistically significant changes were observed. Manual treatment leads to a decrease in intensity of pain reproducible by palpation in males (p=0.03) and females (p=0.048). Conclusions. The study indicates that myofascial trigger points reaction to applied therapy spreads in time and space and depends on participants’ sex.