TheKinesioTapingMethodforMyofascialPainControl

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common regional pain condition characterized by muscle pain caused by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). Despite various traditional treatments including stretching, thermal therapy, electrical stimulation, massage, manipulation, trigger point injection, acupuncture, and medication, many patients continue to experience persistent pain that is not fully relieved even with multiple therapies. Recently, the Kinesio Taping (KT) method has gained popularity for treating sports injuries, postoperative complications, and various pain problems, but relatively little research has specifically focused on its application for MPS. This review paper examines the potential mechanisms and existing evidence for using KT as a treatment approach for myofascial pain.

The authors conducted a comprehensive narrative review of the literature on Kinesio Taping and its application to myofascial pain syndrome. They examined the basic science of MTrP formation, including the integrated hypothesis of energy crisis involving excessive acetylcholine release, sarcomere shortening, and sensitizing substances. They reviewed the characteristics of KT method, which was developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase from 1973 to 1979 and commercially introduced in 1982.

The tape is elastic (stretching 140-150%), heat-sensitive, water-resistant, and can remain on skin for 3 to 5 days. The authors analyzed basic research on KT's effects on blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, as well as clinical studies applying KT to various conditions including venous insufficiency, edema, and musculoskeletal pain. They specifically identified two studies directly examining KT for myofascial pain: a pilot study by Wang et al. on upper trapezius MPS, and a case report by García-Muro et al. on shoulder pain of myofascial origin.

The review found that KT application appears to elevate subcutaneous space, which may increase blood circulation and lymph fluid drainage, thereby reducing chemical inflammatory factors around MTrP regions. Basic research by Shim et al. demonstrated that KT wrinkles can compress skin while elevating space, with positive effects on opening microvalves due to dynamic pressure variation. Kase's research using Doppler ultrasound showed increased blood flow rate immediately after KT application. Bialoszewski et al. found statistically significant decreases in thigh and leg circumference in patients with edema (P = 0.02, P = 0.03 respectively), with greater significance in the KT group compared to standard lymphatic massage alone.

Aguilar-Ferrándiz et al. reported that only the experimental KT group showed improvements in swelling (P < 0.002), muscle cramps (P < 0.001), and pain distribution (P < 0.001) in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. For myofascial pain specifically, Wang et al. found statistically significant pain relief immediately after KT application on upper trapezius using "insertion to origin technique," with VAS improvement remaining significant 24 hours later; no improvement was reported in the control group. García-Muro et al. reported significant improvement in VAS, algometry, functional tests, and active ROM in a patient with shoulder pain of myofascial origin treated with KT. However, the authors noted that research on KT often shows different and sometimes conflicting results, with limitations including difficulty building randomized or double-blind trials, variable taping techniques across practitioners, and significant placebo effects.

The authors suggest that KT method could be used as a regular treatment or added to previous treatments for myofascial pain. The proposed mechanism involves KT elevating fascial space to improve circulation, which helps remove inflammatory mediators and reduce pressure on nociceptors, potentially blocking the vicious cycle of energy crisis at MTrPs. For clinical application, the "insertion to origin" taping technique is recommended for myofascial pain and muscle spasm to achieve inhibition and relaxation effects, while "origin to insertion" provides facilitation for muscle contraction. The tape is simple to apply, economical, and less traumatic than some alternatives.

However, self-application may be difficult for some patients due to limited anatomical knowledge, inadequate trigger point examination skills, lack of taping experience, and the need for both hands, particularly for hard-to-reach areas like the rhomboid muscles. The authors emphasize that better outcomes likely require combining KT with therapeutic exercise, postural correction, and adjustment of daily living activities. They conclude that while KT shows promise as another choice for MTrP therapy, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness, particularly well-designed randomized controlled trials with standardized taping protocols.