Publications
Immediate Effects of Multiple Ischemic Compression Applications on Pain Sensitivity and Biomechanical Properties of Myofascial Trigger Points
Authors: Sebastian Szajkowski 1, Jaroslaw Pasek 2, Grzegorz Cieslar 3
Affiliations:
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Warsaw Medical Academy of Applied Sciences, 8 Rydygiera St., 01-793 Warszawa, Poland
- Collegium Medicum im dr Wladyslawa Bieganskiego, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, 13/15 Armii Krajowej St., 42-200 Czestochowa, Poland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 15 Stefana Batorego St., 41-902 Bytom, Poland
Journal: Clinics and Practice - July 2025, Volume 15, Issue 7, Article no. 125 (DOI: 10.3390/clinpract15070125)
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Field & Applications:
- Medical
- Treatment evaluation
Background: Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are hyperirritable spots within taut bands of skeletal muscle fibers, often developing in overloaded muscles. Ischemic compression (IC) is a frequently used therapeutic technique for MTrP treatment.
Material and Methods: Seventy-nine participants with MTrPs in the upper trapezius muscle were included. Three IC protocols were used. In group 1, the compression force was increased once; in group 2, twice; and in group 3, three times – each time up to the pain threshold, then held constant until the pain subsided. Evaluations included pressure pain threshold (PPT), pressure pain perception (PPP), and myotonometric measurements.
Results: PPT values increased significantly in group 2 (p = 0.009) and group 3 (p = 0.009), while PPP values decreased significantly in both groups (group 2: p = 0.016; group 3: p = 0.041) post-intervention. Group 1 showed a significant reduction in muscle tone (p < 0.001), and group 2 in muscle stiffness (p = 0.036). Muscle elasticity significantly improved in all groups: group 1 (p = 0.022), group 2 (p = 0.001), and group 3 (p = 0.042).
Conclusions: IC applied with a constant force at the individual’s pain perception threshold effectively elevates the pain threshold and enhances the biomechanical parameters of muscle fibers in the trigger point area.
Keywords: myofascial trigger points, pain threshold, pain perception, ischemic compression, myotonometry
IC performed with constant compression force corresponding to the value of PPT or slightly higher effectively elevates the pain sensation threshold after a single IC procedure, making it possible – in repetitive manner – to achieve the immediate and transient reduction of pain intensity, while the repetition of compression leads to enhancing the therapeutic effect. The manner of performing the therapeutic procedure that has been presented also leads to the improvement of biomechanical parameters of muscle fibers in the trigger point area, without causing significant discomfort to the patient.