The Effects of TECAR Therapy in the Treatment of Patients With Myofascial Trigger Points in the Upper Trapezius Muscle: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES

Myofascial pain syndrome affecting the upper trapezius significantly impairs function, and conventional physiotherapy often has limited efficacy in refractory cases. TECAR therapy has emerged as a potential adjunct treatment, though robust evidence supporting its use remains scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of TECAR therapy on pain reduction, neck range of motion, and Neck Disability Index scores in patients with upper trapezius myofascial trigger points.

METHODS

This double-blind, randomized controlled trial enrolled 44 participants with active upper trapezius trigger points. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: standard physiotherapy alone or physiotherapy combined with TECAR therapy. Primary outcomes-assessed before and after the intervention-included pain intensity (measured by VAS), cervical lateral flexion range of motion, and functional disability (evaluated using the NDI).

RESULTS

The TECAR therapy group showed significantly better outcomes across all measured parameters compared to the control group: greater pain reduction (mean VAS difference: -3.77 vs. -2.33), greater improvement in cervical lateral flexion (+7.50° vs. +4.47°), and more substantial functional recovery (NDI change: -14.90 vs. -6.40). These between-group differences remained statistically significant after adjusting for baseline severity (p < 0.05 for all comparisons).

CONCLUSION

TECAR therapy demonstrates clinically meaningful enhancement of conventional physiotherapy outcomes in upper trapezius myofascial pain, particularly among patients with greater baseline disability. Its noninvasive profile and synergistic treatment effects justify its consideration for integration into standard rehabilitation protocols. However, further research with extended follow-up periods is needed to evaluate its long-term efficacy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial Registration Number: IRCT20190202042581N4, Date of trial registration: 2/11/2022.