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

Study Summary

44 patients with active upper trapezius myofascial trigger points were randomized to receive routine physiotherapy plus Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) therapy or routine physiotherapy alone. The primary outcomes of interest were pain intensity measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), cervical lateral flexion range of motion, and functional disability measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Both groups completed 10 treatment sessions over 2 weeks, with outcomes assessed at baseline and immediately after treatment. Overall, the results of the study revealed that both groups improved, but adding TECAR therapy produced greater adjusted improvements in pain, cervical range of motion, and neck-related disability. These findings suggested that TECAR therapy may be a useful addition to conventional physiotherapy for short-term management of upper trapezius myofascial trigger points.