Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic) -Dept. of Chiropractic, Technikon Natal, 2002 1 v. (various pagings) / The purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of Magnesium phosphate, as an adjunct to dry needling, in the treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS), in terms of objective and subjective clinical findings. MPS is a frequently encountered condition. If not treated adequately, this condition can lead to long term, recurrent pain, as well as patient and physician frustration. Many treatment protocols have been examined with contradictory results and research into epidemiological studies and combinations of various treatment protocols are lacking.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 112-114).

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)-Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 / Myofascial pain syndrome is defined as the sensory, motor and autonomic symptoms caused by myofascial trigger points (MFTPs), or hyperirritable spots within skeletal muscles that are associated with palpable nodules in a taut band (Travell, Simons and Simons, 1999 1:5). Treatments for this syndrome include, but are not limited to is haemic compression, heat pack therapy, active range of motion, spray and stretch, tens therapy, interferential current therapy and myofascial release technique (Hou et al. 2002). Despite this array of treatments available to a clinician, authors agree that more studies are required to determine the efficacy of these treatments (Han and Harrison, 1997:98). Thus an effective treatment is needed for myofascial pain syndrome as according to Schneider (1995); myofascial pain syndrome has become one of the most predominant soft tissue syndromes seen in the clinical practice today. The purpose of this study is to determine the relative effectiveness of myofascial manipulation versus the ischaemic compression in the treatment of myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle in terms of objective and subjective clinical findings.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)-Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003 / The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a home programme of ischaemic compression in the treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

A dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Masters Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at Technikon Natal, 2000. / This study compared the relative effectiveness of low intensity laser therapy as opposed to dry needling in the treatment of active myofascial trigger points. The purpose of this study was to determine the more effective method of treating active myofascial trigger points, in terms of subjective and objective clinical findings. This study was a comparative, uncontrolled, unblinded pilot study. It was also intended to expand upon the little understood pathophysiology and treatment of muscular pain, in both chiropractic and medical curricula (Gatterman 1990: 285). / M

A dissertation in partial compliance with the requirements for a Masters Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at Technikon Natal, 2000. / Myofascial trigger points are a common problem for patients as weJl as physicians. According to some authors Myofascial Pain Syndromes encompass the largest group of unrecognised and under-treated medical disorders. At present, needling techniques seem to be most effective in treating myofascial trigger points, however, many chiropractors claim that manipulation alone is sufficient for trigger point amelioration. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation to the level of main segmental nerve supply versus dry needling in the treatment of selected muscles with myofascial trigger points. / M

A dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Technikon Natal, 1997. / Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome is a common problem for patients as well as physicians. Many treatments have been devised for Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome, but there is very little research to substantiate which of these treatments is most effective. Myofascial trigger points are a frequently overlooked and misunderstood phenomenon in the medical curriculae, yet with correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment the prognosis of these trogger points is usually excellent. The aim of this placebo-controlled study was to justify the hypotheses which stated that myofascial trigger point therapy would be effective in the treatment of Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome (IBFS), as compared to detuned ultrasound as a form of treatment. / M

M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two different treatment methods for myofascial pain and dysfunction syndrome of the Gluteus Medius muscle. This was done in order to determine whether or not a combined treatment of the integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique (INIT) and sacroiliacjoint (SU) adjustive therapy was more effective than the INIT applied in isolation, in the treatment of the Gluteus Medius myofascial pain and dysfunction syndrome (OMMPDS). Participants were recruited using advertisement posters placed throughout the University of Johannesburg Doomfontcin Campus and were treated at the University of Johannesburg Chiropractic Day Clinic. Thirty participants, between the ages of eighteen and fifty years, who were suffering from lower back pain and presented with Gluteus Medius rnyofascial trigger points (Trl's) and an SIJ dysfunction were selected for the study. They wcre randomly assigned into one of two groups, consisting of fifteen subjects each. as they entered into thestudy. Group one received the INIT to the affected Gluteus Medius muscle. Group two received a combination of the INIT to the affected Gluteus Medius muscle and an SIJ adjustment. Patients attended four sessions over a period ofeight days and were treated on all of these sessions. Subjective and objective data were recorded on all sessions. Subjective data was recorded using the McGill Pain Questionnaire and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Objective data was recorded using the Universal Goniometer, to measure hip ranges of motion of the affected Gluteus Medius muscle, and the Wagner Pressure Algometer to measure pain-pressure threshold of the affected Gluteus Medius muscle Trl's, All of the data were statistically analyzed using Repeated Measures and Independent t-Tcsts, P-values were calculated to determine the statistical significance of the datu. The results of the study indicate that both treatment methods nrc effective in treating GMMPDS. However a combined treatment approach of INIT and SIJ adjustive therapy was more effective in achieving a greater therapeutic response compared to INIT alone.

M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / There is research to show that ischaemic compression is very effective in the treatment of myofascial trigger points (MFTP’s). It is less invasive when compared to other treatment methods such as dry needling however; according to Gulick (2010) there is a lack of randomised controlled studies with regard to standard ischaemic compression treatment protocols. This includes the appropriate amount of pressure, duration of compression or frequency of treatment (Gulick, 2010). This study was conducted in order to determine whether ischaemic compression that is applied at pain threshold would have a similar effect when compared to ischaemic compression at pain tolerance in the treatment of active rhomboid major and minor myofascial trigger points, using a hand held algometer. This study was specifically undertaken to provide more information regarding the most effective method of ischaemic compression with regard to the amount of pressure that is most suitable during treatment. The results of this study could potentially improve patient comfort and reduce pain during treatment by showing that treatment at pain threshold may be as effective as conventional ischaemic compression at pain tolerance. It was hypothesized that ischaemic compression applied at pain threshold may have a similar effect as application at pain tolerance by having a positive outcome on the subjective and objective findings in patients with active myofascial trigger points of the rhomboid major and minor muscles. Participants were recruited into the study by word of mouth as well as with the use of advertisements that were placed around the University of Johannesburg Doornfontein campus and clinic. Thirty participants that conformed to the specified limitations and diagnostic criteria were accepted to partake in this study. The participants were then placed in a random and stratified manner into two groups of 15, based on age and gender. Group A received ischaemic compression of the rhomboid major and minor muscles at pain threshold while Group B received ischaemic compression of the same muscles at pain tolerance. Ischaemic compression was administered over a 30 second duration. Each participant received 2 treatments a week for 3 weeks while a 7th and final visit served only for measurement taking.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Masters Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at Technikon Natal, 1998. / Myofascial syndrome is a very common condition which is frequently encountered at Chiropractic clinics. It is also a very complex condition and as such is a very frustrating one to treat effectively. Tens is resegnised as a clinically effective modality in the treatment of Myofascial syndrome, however guidelines with respect to the most effective electrode placements are lacking. / M