Kinesio Taping for Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points

Myofascial pain syndrome is one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal pain, and the upper trapezius is the muscle most frequently affected in the neck and shoulder region. Kinesio taping is a non-invasive, painless and low-cost method that is increasingly used in the treatment of myofascial trigger points, but its true therapeutic effect beyond placebo has not been clearly established. The purpose of this randomized, sham-controlled trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of kinesio taping applied with the muscle inhibition technique on myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle. Forty patients with an active myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either therapeutic kinesio taping or sham taping (20 patients per group). Both groups will receive four applications over two weeks (twice weekly). The primary outcome is the pressure pain threshold measured with a digital algometer. Secondary outcomes are pain intensity, trapezius muscle thickness measured by B-mode ultrasonography, and muscle stiffness assessed by strain elastography. All outcomes are assessed at baseline, on day 3, and at the end of the two-week treatment period.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 65 years * At least one active myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle diagnosed on clinical examination according to the criteria of Travell and Simons * Neck and/or shoulder pain lasting at least 3 months * Able to understand the procedures, benefits and possible adverse effects * Able to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome * Cervical disc herniation, radiculopathy or myelopathy * History of cervical or shoulder surgery * History of trauma, fracture or structural deformity of the neck region * Inflammatory rheumatic disease, malignancy or serious systemic disease * Neurological disease or peripheral neuropathy * Kinesio taping to the trigger point, injection, dry needling or physical therapy to the neck region within the previous 6 months * Use of analgesics, muscle relaxants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs within the previous week * Active skin lesion, wound, dermatological disease or known allergy to tape at the application site * Pregnancy or lactation