Effect of myofascial cupping vs integrated neuromuscular inhibition techniques on pain and neck movement in individuals with latent trigger point in trapezius.
Preeti Gazbare, Manisha Rathi, Dhanashree Channe
PMID 37584049WHAT IT FOUND
Myofascial cupping reduced pain more than integrated neuromuscular inhibition techniques after two weeks.
Both treatments improved pressure pain threshold and neck movement equally. Cupping is a viable option for trapezius trigger points, especially when pain is the primary concern.
Key findings
01Both myofascial cupping and integrated neuromuscular inhibition techniques significantly improved pain, pressure pain threshold, and neck lateral flexion range of motion within their respective groups after two weeks.
02Myofascial cupping resulted in a significantly greater reduction in pain intensity compared to integrated neuromuscular inhibition techniques.
03There was no significant difference between myofascial cupping and integrated neuromuscular inhibition techniques for pressure pain threshold or neck lateral flexion range of motion.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study duration was short (two weeks), so long-term effects are unknown. Sample size was small (40 participants), limiting generalisability. Participants were not blinded to the treatment they received, which could influence pain reporting. Occupational factors, daily activities, and stress levels, which contribute to trigger points, were not controlled for.
Declared interests
No specific funding sources or conflicts of interest were declared in the provided text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume cupping is superior for all outcomes. It only showed a significant advantage for pain reduction. Pressure pain threshold and neck range of motion improved equally with both treatments, so cupping is not necessarily better for restoring movement or desensitising the trigger point.