Comparison of the Efficacy of Dry Needling, Ischemic Compression, and Cross Taping on Masseter Myofascial Pain

This. minimally invasive technique is based on the insertion of a sterile, low-caliber, monofilament needle, without the injection or extraction of any additional substances, into hyperirritable muscle nodules. There are two categories within this technique, based on the depth at which the needle is inserted: superficial needling (or the Baldry technique), in which the needle is inserted up to the subcutaneous cellular tissue overlying the myofascial trigger point (up to 10 mm); and deep needling, where the needle is inserted into the muscle with the intention of reaching the myofascial trigger point. Reaching the trigger point was the investigators goal. Regardless of the technique selected, the aim is to generate controlled micro spasms in the affected muscle area, alternating with periods of muscle relaxation.

Ischemic compression is a conservative, manual technique used on myofascial trigger points, in which pressure should be exerted between 30 and 90 seconds on these same areas. It is suggested that it leads to the normalization of the biomechanical properties of muscle fibers, restoring the muscle's functional condition and probably reducing the risk of injury. Thus, the therapeutic effects include the stimulation of mechanoreceptors, with pain attenuation mainly due to the depletion of specific neurotransmitters and temporary obstruction of local blood flow (local ischemia), followed by a rapid influx of oxygenated blood to the area under pressure relief,(37) which will cause an increase in muscle metabolism.

Cross tapes, as the name implies, based on an equidistant intersection of three or four polyester tapes with a non-elastic adhesive acrylic coating, with the 3 lines oriented in a latero-medial direction. It is recommended that it be applied to the muscle area where the myofascial trigger point has been detected, at a 45º angle to the muscle fibers. Its application may have several purposes, such as muscle support, improving the stability of the fibers; pain relief, especially in areas where muscle tension and/or inflammation are present; aiding lymphatic drainage; promoting blood circulation. Before it is applied, the skin should be clean (disinfecting the area with alcohol) and dry, without any lotion or other ointments and the maximum period of use should not exceed 24 hours due to the risk of changes in position, either due to sweating or direct intervention by the patient himself.