• John Z Srbely and James P Dickey.
• Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. jsrbely@uoguelph.ca
• Clin Rehabil. 2007 May 1;21(5):411-7.

ObjectiveTo investigate whether therapeutic ultrasound modulates the pain sensitivity of myofascial trigger points.DesignRepeated measures, single-blinded randomized controlled trial of ultrasound treatment of trigger points.SettingOutpatient injury rehabilitation clinic.SubjectsForty-four patients (22 males, 22 females) with trigger points identified within the trapezius muscle.InterventionsFive-minute therapeutic intensity of ultrasound versus 5-min low-intensity application of ultrasound to a trapezius myofascial trigger point locus.Main MeasuresPain pressure threshold readings were measured at the trapezius trigger point site before and after exposure to the ultrasound intervention.ResultsPain pressure threshold scores increased an average of 44.4 (14.2)% after therapeutic exposure to ultrasound (pre-ultrasound test 35.4 (8.5) N, post-ultrasound test 51.1 (12.8) N). No significant difference in pain pressure threshold scores was observed with low-intensity ultrasound exposures (pre-ultrasound 36.1 (6.1) N, post-ultrasound 36.6 (4.8) N).ConclusionsTherapeutic exposures to ultrasound reduce short-term trigger point sensitivity. Ultrasound may be a useful clinical tool for the treatment and management of trigger points and myofascial pain syndromes.

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