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Original Article Plastic and Aesthetic Research

Comparison between four treatment modalities

for active myofascial triggers points

Atef Fouda
School of Oral and Dental medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12411, Egypt.
Address for correspondence: Dr. Atef Fouda, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo University, Gamaa Street, Giza 12411, Egypt.
E-mail: atef.fouda@dentistry.cu.edu.eg

ABSTRACT
Aim: The study aimed at the painful trigger points (TrPs) for the purpose of ablating muscle spasms
and restoring normal muscle length to find the most effective treatment for alleviating pain and
improving mouth range of motion in patients with myofascial pain dysfunction. Methods: We
enrolled 72 patients with pain and reduced mouth opening due to temporomandibular joint
dysfunction. Patients assigned to four groups and four treatment modalities used to treat
myofascial TrPs pain. We used mean and standard deviation values. The Mann–Whitney U-test
was used to compare the two groups. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to study the
changes by the time in mean pain scores. The Student’s t-test was used to compare maximum
mouth opening (MMO) groups. Then paired t-test was also used to study the changes of time in
an MMO. Results: The results showed that pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is the
most effective treatment modality regarding for pain relief. Both the anesthesia and PEMF groups
showed a reduction in mean pain scores throughout all follow-up periods, and a statistically
significant increase in mean MMO. Conclusion: The findings suggest that PEMF is the most
effective treatment for alleviating pain and improving mouth range of motion in patients with
myofascial pain.
Key words:
Low-level laser therapy, myofascial pain, pulsed electromagnetic field, temporomandibular joint
dysfunction, trigger points

INTRODUCTION Myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome is a regional
muscular pain syndrome characterized by the presence
Myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS) is the of hypersensitive points known as “trigger points” (TrPs)
most common cause of facial pain. Patients with in one or more muscle and/or connective tissue. The
MPDS experience pain, restricted jaw movements, and masseter muscles and to a lesser extent temporalis
masticatory muscle tenderness. Psychological factors, muscles are frequently involved in MPDS. [3]
[1]
occlusion imbalance, and parafunctional habits have
been cited as its most important underlying causes. [2] It has been suggested that certain nerve endings in the
muscle tissue become sensitized by allergenic substances,
Access this article online which create a localized zone of hypersensitivity. [4-6]
Quick Response Code: Trigger points are discrete, focal, hyperirritable areas located
Website:
www.parjournal.net in taut bands of skeletal muscle. The TrPs are painful
upon compression and can induce referred pain, referred
tenderness, motor dysfunction, and autonomic phenomena. [7]
DOI:
10.4103/2347-9264.135545 Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are classified as being
active or latent, according to their clinical characteristics.

Plast Aesthet Res || Vol 1 || Issue 1 || Jun 2014 21