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Acupuncture/ pressureChiropracticMagnetsPainTENS/FNS/VNS

CAM for myofascial trigger points and pain syndrome

JR

Researchers from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto reviewed the evidence for complementary therapies.

First, the details.

  • This review is based on The Scientific Commission of the Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters (CCGPP).
  • 112 articles were identified.

And, the results.
Myofascial trigger points

  • Moderately strong evidence supports manipulation and ischemic pressure for immediate pain relief.
  • Limited evidence exists for long-term pain relief.

Myofascial trigger points and myofascial pain syndrome

  • Strong evidence supports laser therapy.
  • Moderate evidence supports transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), acupuncture, and magnet therapy.
    • The duration of relief varies among these therapies.
  • Limited evidence supports electrical muscle stimulation, high-voltage galvanic stimulation, interferential current, and frequency modulated neural stimulation.
  • Evidence is weak for ultrasound therapy.

The bottom line?
The article provides a starting point for comparing complementary therapies for myofascial trigger points and pain syndrome.

More information on myofacial trigger points and myofascial pain syndrome is here.

1/6/09 22:08 JR

Hi, I’m JR

John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.

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