The Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Kinesio Taping on Pain, Range of Motion and Disability of Neck in Patients with Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a musculoskeletal disorder characterized by tenderness, the presence of trigger points, localized or referral pain, muscle weakness, and limitation in range of motion, which leads to limitations in physical, vocational and social activities, and ultimately the reduced work efficiency and quality of life. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the short-term and long-term effects of Kinesio Taping on pain, range of motion, and disability of neck in patients with MPS. Methods: In a single-blind randomized clinical trial, 30 patients with MPS were randomly divided into two groups, treatment group (n = 15) and control group (n = 15). The treatment group was given Kinesio Taping with proper tension and the control group was given Kinesio Taping without any tension. Pain intensity, range of motion, and neck disability was measured by NPRS, Goniometry, and NDI, respectively. Evaluations were performed before the intervention, three days later, and finally 14 days after the intervention. Results: A comparison of the patients' mean pain, range of motion of flexion, lateral flexion, and neck rotation in the short and long term indicated a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05); although no significant difference was observed between the mean range of motion of neck extension between the two groups (P = 0.33 and P = 0.16 respectively for short term and long term). Neck disability showed a significant difference in both short/long term in pre-post evaluation of treatment group and comparison between groups with P < 0.05. Conclusions: According to the results of this study, Kinesio Taping can reduce neck pain, increase the neck's range of motion, and ultimately reduce the disability caused by myofascial pain syndrome both in the short term and in the long term. However, the duration of use of Kinesio Taping can increase its influence.