Embora a literatura científica apresente estudos recentes enfocando diferentes abordagens da fisioterapia no tratamento dos pontos gatilhos miofasciais em indivíduos com cervicalgia, ainda existem recursos fisioterapêuticos comumente utilizados na prática clínica do fisioterapeuta que não possuem o devido respaldo científico. Assim sendo, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o emprego do ultrassom estático e das correntes diadinâmicas sobre pontos gatilhos miofasciais associado a um programa de terapia manual para o tratamento de indivíduos com cervicalgia. Para tal, foram incluídos sessenta voluntários de ambos os gêneros, com idade entre 18 e 45 anos e cervicalgia crônica, além da presença bilateral de pontos gatilhos miofasc iais ativos no músculo trapézio fibras descendentes. Assim, os indivíduos foram randomizados em três grupos com vinte integrantes em cada: Grupo 1 (terapia manual), Grupo 2 (terapia manual + ultrassom estático) ou Grupo 3 (terapia manual + correntes diadinâmicas). Os voluntários foram submetidos a dez sessões de tratamento, duas sessões semanais, durante cinco semanas, sendo os mesmos avaliados em quatro momentos: antes das sessões de tratamento, 48 horas após a primeira sessão fisioterapêutica, após as dez sessões de tratamento e quatro semanas após o término das sessões. Foram empregadas na avaliação a Escala Numérica de Dor, Neck Disability Index, algometria, Escala de Pensamentos Catastróficos sobre Dor, fleximetria, termografia infravermelha e eletromiografia de superfície. Na análise ao longo do tempo, observou-se redução significativa da intensidade de dor, da incapacidade e da catastrofização, e incremento significativo do limiar de dor à pressão nos três grupos (p < 0,05). Para os Grupo 2 e 3, ocorreu incremento significativo na amplitude de movimento de flexão, rotação à direita e à esquerda, e redução significativa da temperatura cutânea à esquerda após a instituição dos recursos fisioterapêuticos (p < 0,05). Além disso, houve incremento significativo na amplitude de movimento de inclinação lateral à direita e redução significativa da temperatura cutânea à direita apenas no Grupo 2 (p < 0,05). Para as comparações entre os grupos, não foi observada interação grupo-versus-tempo para os desfechos intensidade de dor, incapacidade, catastrofização, limiar de dor à pressão, amplitude de movimento da cervical e temperatura cutânea (valor de F variando entre 0,089-1,961; valor de p variando entre 0,106-0,977). Além disso, não foi observada diferença entre os grupos na atividade eletromiográfica (p > 0,05). Diante do exposto, conclui-se que o emprego do ultrassom estático ou correntes diadinâmicas sobre pontos gatilhos miofasciais no músculo trapézio fibras descendentes associado a um protocolo de terapia manual não gera benefícios maiores do que o programa de terapia manual sozinho em indivíduos com cervicalgia crônica. / Although the scientific literature has presented recent studies focusing on different physical therapy approaches to the treatment of myofascial trigger points in individuals with cervicalgia, some of the resources that are still used in the clinical practice of physical therapy are done so without due scientific basis. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the use of static ultrasound and diadynamic currents on myofascial trigger points together with a manual therapy program to treat individuals with cervicalgia. For such, we selected sixty volunteers of both genders between the ages of 18 and 45 years, with chronic cervicalgia and the presence of bilateral active myofascial trigger points on the upper trapezius. Thus, individuals were randomly allocated into one of three groups, with twenty participants each: Group 1 (manual therapy), Group 2 (manual therapy + static ultrasound) or Group 3 (manual therapy + diadynamic currents). The volunteers were submitted to ten treatment sessions, consisting of two weekly sessions for five weeks, and were assessed at four points: before the treatment sessions, 48 hours after the first physical therapy session, after ten treatment sessions, and four weeks after the last session. As measuring instruments, we employed the Pain Numeric Rating Scale, the Neck Disability Index, algometry, the Pain Related Self-Statement Scale, fleximetry, infrared thermography and surface electromyography. In our analysis over time, we observed a significant reduction in pain intensity, disability and catastrophizing, and a significant increase in pressure pain threshold in the three groups (p < 0.05). Groups 2 and 3 showed a significant increase in flexion range of motion, left and right rotation, and a significant reduction in skin temperature on the left after implementing the physical therapy resources (p < 0.05). Furthermore, only Group 2 presented a significant improvement in right lateral tilt range of motion and a significant reduction in skin temperature on the right (p < 0.05). There was no group-versus-time interaction for pain intensity, disability, catastrophizing, pressure pain threshold, cervical range of motion, and skin temperature (F-value range: 0.089-1.961, p-value range: 0.106-0.977). Moreover, we found no differences between groups regarding electromyographic activity (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the use of static ultrasound or diadynamic currents on myofascial trigger points on the upper trapezius in association with a manual therapy program does not generate greater benefits than a manual therapy program alone among individuals with chronic neck pain.

A dor crônica que afeta mulheres submetidas ao tratamento do câncer de mama envolve o componente muscular relacionado com a dor miofascial, e está é caracterizada, sobretudo, pela presença de pontos gatilhos miofasciais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi correlacionar a dor miofascial crônica mensurada por meio intensidade de dor, limiar de dor à pressão e catastrofização com a qualidade de vida, postura, distribuição da pressão plantar e temperatura cutânea, em mulheres submetidas ao tratamento do câncer de mama. Para tanto, foram incluídas no estudo 40 mulheres submetidas ao tratamento do câncer de mama, com média de idade de 54,71±14,00 anos, e queixa de dor na região do tronco superior, com ponto gatilho miofascial ativo e de localização central no músculo trapézio fibras descendentes. Foram empregadas na avaliação a escala numérica de dor, algometria, escala de pensamentos catastróficos sobre dor, termografia infravermelha, qualidade de vida, avaliação postural e baropodometria. A análise estatística foi apresentada por meio de medidas de tendência central e dispersão. A distribuição dos dados foi verificada por meio do teste de Shapiro-Wilk. Foi considerado o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson (r) para a associação de variáveis paramétricas e, para variáveis não paramétricas, foi empregado o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman (rs). Foram observados os seguintes resultados significativos: negativa associação entre a qualidade de vida e intensidade de dor (rs = - 0,400, p = 0,031); negativa associação entre a qualidade de vida e catastrofização (rs = - 0,472, p = 0,010); positiva associação entre a qualidade de vida e o limiar de dor à pressão do lado operado (r = 0,329, p = 0,038); positiva associação entre o ângulo da cifose torácica e a intensidade de dor (rs = 0,321, p = 0,044); e negativa associação entre o ângulo de protrusão cervical e o limiar de dor à pressão do lado operado (rs = -0,474, p = 0,002) e do lado não operado (rs = -0,454, p = 0,003). A dor miofascial em mulheres que foram submetidas ao tratamento do câncer de mama gera redução na qualidade de vida e alterações posturais, com aumento dos ângulos da cifose torácica e de protrusão cervical. / Chronic pain that affects women undergoing treatment for breast cancer involves the muscular component of myofascial pain, characterized by the presence of myofascial trigger points. The aim of this study was to correlate chronic myofascial pain, measured by means of pain intensity, pressure pain threshold and pain catastrophizing with quality of life, posture, plantar pressure distribution and skin temperature in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. The study included 40 women undergoing treatment for breast cancer, with a mean age of 54.71±14.00 years, complaints of pain in the upper body region, with active myofascial trigger point centrally located on the descending fibers of the trapezius muscle. The Numeric Pain Scale, algometry, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, infrared thermography, quality of life, postural assessment and baropodometry were used. Statistical analysis was presented by means of central tendency and dispersion measurements. Distribution of the data was verified by means of the Shapiro-Wilk test. For association of parametric variables, Pearson\'s correlation coefficient (r) was applied, and Spearman\'s correlation coefficient (rs) was used for nonparametric variables. The following significant results were observed: negative association between quality of life and pain intensity (rs = -0.400, P = 0.031); negative association between quality of life and pain catastrophizing (rs = -0.472, P = 0.010); positive association between quality of life and the pressure pain threshold on the operated side (r = 0.329, p = 0.038); positive association between the angle of thoracic kyphosis and pain intensity (rs = 0.321, p = 0.044); and negative association between the cervical protrusion angle and pressure pain threshold on the operated side (rs = -0.474, P = 0.002) and the non-operated side (rs = -0.454, P = 0.003). Myofascial pain in women who underwent treatment for breast cancer leads to a reduction in quality of life and postural changes, with increased angles of thoracic kyphosis and cervical protrusion.

Objetivos: Verificar 1) a presença de associação entre bruxismo do sono (BS) e dor miofascial (DMF); 2) se há correlação entre atividade rítmica dos músculos mastigatórios (ARMM) e os valores de limiar de dor à pressão matinais (LDP-pósPSG); 3) se maiores níveis de dor ou sensibilidade à palpação correlacionam-se com menores índices de ARMM em bruxômanos e não bruxômanos com e sem DMF e 4) avaliar a confiabilidade do exame clínico de bruxismo (ECB) Material e Métodos: Realizaram-se exame PSG (2 noites consecutivas) e ECB em 30 pacientes com DMF e 30 indivíduos assintomáticos, correspondentes em sexo e em idade. Previamente à PSG (2a noite) verificou-se o LDP (pré- PSG) da origem, corpo, inserção e porção profunda do masseter e porções anterior, média e posterior do temporal. Na manhã seguinte, verificou-se o LDP pós-PSG nos mesmos sítios musculares. Resultados: Todos os pacientes com DMF apresentaram queixa de dor nos músculos mastigatórios (temporal e/ou masseter), 90% relataram dor leve ou moderada, com duração média de 34,67 ± 36,96 meses (2 a 120). Não houve diferenças entre os grupos quanto à macroestrutura do sono. Houve associação significativa entre BS e DMF [(Quiquadrado, p = 0,039); OR 3,45 (IC 95% 1,066 - 11,194); RR:1,83 e LR+: 1,9. Apenas entre os pacientes de DMF houve correlações negativas entre ARMM e LDP pós-PSG. As correlações foram mais fortes entre os pacientes não-bruxômanos do que nos pacientes bruxômanos. Apenas entre os bruxômanos assintomáticos houve correlações positivas entre LDP pré-PSG e ARMM. Conclusões: 1) O BS associou-se com DMF; 2) a DMF parece ser fator predisponente à maior sensibilidade matinal à palpação; 3) não bruxômanos com DMF parecem responder com maior sensibilidade matinal à palpação a aumentos na intensidade da ARMM do que bruxômanos com DMF; 4) apenas entre os bruxômanos assintomáticos encontrou-se suporte à ocorrência do mecanismo de adaptação à dor e 5) o ECB apresentou valores distintos de confiabilidade para a população com DMF e assintomática, apresentando valores mais altos na população com DMF, embora não tenha atingido os níveis adequados de sensibilidade (75%) e especificidade (90%). / Objectives: To test 1) the association between sleep bruxism (SB) and miofascial pain (MFP); 2) the correlation between rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) at morning, 3) the influence of previous tenderness over RMMA in bruxers and non-bruxers with/without MFP, and 4) the validity of a clinical diagnostic criteria of sleep bruxism (DCSB). Materials and Methods: Polysomnographic recording (PSG) (two consecutive nights) were performed in 30 MFP patients, selected according to RDC/TMD and 30 asymptomatic controls age and gender-matched. Pre and post-PSG PPT values were verified for masseter (origin, body, insertion, and deep portion), as well as for temporal (anterior, medium, posterior) muscles. Results: All MFP patients reported pain complaints on masseter and/or temporal muscles. Most of MFP patients reported mild or moderate pain (46.67%, and 43.33%, respectively), and only 3 (10%) reported severe pain. Pain duration ranged from 2 to 120 months (mean of 34.67 ± 36.96 months). No differences in sleep architecture were observed in both groups. A significant association was observed between SB and MFP [Chi-Square=0.039, Odds Ratio=3.45 [CI 95% 1.066-11.194)]. Only in MFP patients negative correlations were seen between ARRM and morning-PPT ? indicating a dose-response gradient between ARRM and tenderness to palpation on morning. This gradient seemed more evident among MFP non-bruxers than on bruxers. There were positive correlations between pre-PSG PPT and RMMA only among asymptomatic bruxers. Conclusions: These findings indicate that: 1) Sleep bruxism is significantly associated with MFP; 2) MFP seems to be a predisposing factor that increases bruxism-related muscle sensitivity; 3) MFP non-bruxers seem to show more tenderness on palpation due to more intense RMMA than do MFP bruxers. 4) Only among asymptomatic bruxers was found some evidence of pain-adaptation model; and 5) The DCSB showed different confiability values for MFP and asymptomatic patients, presenting higher values for MFP patients, although not reaching adequate sensitivity (75%) and specificity (90%) levels.

The subject of the thesis is a study of the projections from low threshold oral and face afferents to the cerebral cortex and of descending motor control mechanisms originating in the cerebral cortex or the hypothalamus and influencing the jaw reflexes.Cats anaesthetized with chi oral ose were used for the experiments. Ipsi- and contralateral nerves from the oral cavity and the face were stimulated electrically. Cortical potentials were averaged and recorded. The location of the projections was related to the cytoarchi-tectonic areas of the cerebral cortex. It was found that the afferents projected to separate maximum points in areas 3a, 3b, 5a and 6aß. The projections to areas 3a and 3b were somatotopically organized, but the layout of the projections on the cortex was not facelike.The effect of monopolar anodal stimulation of the cerebral cortex on the monosynaptic jaw closing and the di synaptic jaw opening reflexes was investigated. A sequence of facilitation and inhibition of both reflexes was elicited by cortical stimulation. The effects were of short latency (2.5 ms) and could start with either facilitation or inhibition. The timecourse of the sequence was sinuslike with a period of 10 ms. The largest effect originated in the "sensory" areas 3a and 3b and not in the "motor" areas 4y and 6ag. It is suggested, that a tri gemino-cortico-tri geminai loop via area 3a may function in reflex modulation of jaw movements.The hypothalamic effects on the jaw reflexes were evoked by electrical stimulation in those parts of the hypothalamus, which are w known to generate defence, attack or feeding responses. A tenfold facilitation of the jaw closing reflex and a facilitation followed by almost complete inhibition of the jaw opening reflex were observed in the anaesthetized animal with intact cerebral cortex. The effects remained but were diminished in amplitude after cortical ablation. The descending path was located in the ventral midbrain tegmentum.It is suggested that the observed hypothalamo-tri geminai mechanism may exercise a tonic influence on the trigeminal motoneurones, thereby controlling the set points of the biting force and the rest position. The implications of this hypothesis on the etiology of bruxism and the myofascial pain-dysfunction are discussed. / <p>Härtill 3 rapporter.</p> / digitalisering@umu

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)-Dept. of Chiropractic,Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 xxi, 132, 34 leaves ; ill. ; 30 cm / To assess and quantify the number, severity and specific location of myofascial trigger points within the shoulder rotator muscle group. To assess the internal/external ratio of the dominant shoulder in throwing athletes using a Cybex 700 dynamometer, after intervention and to establish a comparable clinical profile of the participants.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic) - Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003 1 v. (various pagings) / This study was a prospective, randomised, double blinded, placebo controlled, comparative clinical trial to establish the efficacy of therapeutic ultrasound and compare the effectiveness of the two waveforms of ultrasound in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome.

Local twitch responses (LTRs) can be elicited by snapping palpation of myofascial trigger points (TrP) or TrP injections. Objective: To characterize the LTR elicited by TrP injection and snapping palpation on surface electromyography (sEMG) in subjects with myofascial pain in 14 female subjects. Methods: Surface EMG electrodes were placed around the TrP and a control site on the trapezius muscle. Then the following protocol was carried out: tension and contraction of the ipsilateral trapezius muscle, baseline resting activity (five minutes), snapping palpation of the TrP and the control sites, TrP injection, and final resting activity (five minutes). The following data were recorded: pain ratings, areas of referred pain, presence of LTR, and sEMG recordings. Results: During the TrP injection, the investigator found LTRs in only 36% of the subjects, while 64% of the subjects reported that they felt the LTR, and the sEMG recorded only one LTR in one subject. Despite the low percentage of LTRs elicited clinically (36%), a large number of subjects (71%) reported more than 50% immediate reduction in pain intensity after the TrP injection. Conclusion: The sEMG is unable to register the LTR elicited by snapping palpation and TrP injection.

Thesis (D.Phil.(Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Summary in English and Afrikaans. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Alberta, 2009. / A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. Title from pdf file main screen (viewed on September 4, 2009). Includes bibliographical references.

Orientador: Guilherme Antonio Moreira de Barros / Banca: Norma Sueli Pinheiro Módolo / Banca: Manoell Lima de Menezes / Banca: Efigênia Queiroz de Santana / Banca: Francisco Otero Espinar / Resumo: Introdução e Objetivo: a síndrome de dor miofascial (SDM) é uma das causas mais comuns de dor musculoesquelética. Esta dor pode se originar em um único músculo e, eventualmente, pode envolver múltiplos músculos gerando padrões complexos e variáveis de sintomas dolorosos. Nesta pesquisa, utilizou-se a capsaicina em alta concentração, produto natural obtido da pimenta vermelha e que há muito é empregada para o alívio da dor, como alternativa ao tratamento da SDM. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver e avaliar a possível ação analgésica de uma forma farmacêutica semi-sólida (creme) de capsaicina 8% em pacientes com síndrome de dor miofascial. Paralelamente avaliou-se a ocorrência de efeitos de intolerância cutânea relacionados ao emprego tópico da capsaicina, bem como as concentrações de capsaicina plasmática e finais, após 10 meses de manufatura, nas formulações. Material e Métodos: foram desenvolvidas as formulações Fc1 (fórmula creme base) e Fc2 (fórmula creme base + capsaicina 8%). As mesmas foram submetidas aos ensaios microbiológicos, físicos e químicos para avaliação da qualidade, conforme preconizado pela ANVISA. Este estudo prospectivo e randomizado foi desenvolvido no Serviço de Terapia Antálgica e Cuidados Paliativos (TACP) da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, UNESP. Os 40 pacientes participantes foram alocados em dois grupos, Fc1 e Fc2. Sempre em âmbito hospitalar, os cremes foram administrados topicamente, conforme o grupo, com o emprego prévio de anestésico local tópico por 50 minutos. Para tal, escolheu-se o pontogatilho (PG) que mais provocava desconforto e dor à palpação para a aplicação tópica das formulações na quantidade de 10 g em área delimitada de aproximadamente 24 mm e superficialmente a este ponto. Após 30 minutos da aplicação o produto foi retirado, tendo sido avaliados os parâmetros de tolerabilidade à pele. A dor foi quantificada imediatamente,... / Abstract: Background and Objective: myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal pain. This pain may originate in a single muscle and eventually may involve multiple muscles generating complex patterns and variable painful symptoms. In this study capsaicin, a natural product obtained from red pepper, was formulated in a high concentration. Capsaicin, which has long been used for the management of pain, was tested as an alternative to the management of the MPS. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the potential analgesic action of a semi-solid formulation (cream) containing capsaicin 8% on myofascial pain syndrome patients. At the same time we evaluated the occurrence of cutaneous side effects related to the topic use of capsaicin, as well as the plasma capsaicin concentrations result of its use. Also the residual capsaicin concentration was tested in the formulations after 10 months of manufacturing. Methods: two formulations were developed: Fc1 (based cream formula) and Fc2 (cream formula base + capsaicin 8%). The formulations were submitted to microbiological tests, physical and chemical quality evaluation, as recommended by ANVISA. This prospective, randomized study was conducted in Pain Management and Palliative Care Service (TACP), Botucatu, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP. The 40 participating patients were assigned into two groups, Fc1 and Fc2. The clinical tests were carried out at the hospital; the creams were administered topically, as per assigned group, with the prior use of topical local anesthetic for 50 minutes. The trigger point (PG) that aroused more discomfort and pain on palpation was chosen for topical application of the formulations (10 g) in an enclosed area of about 24 mm and above this point. After 30 minutes the product was removed and parameters of the skin tolerability were evaluated. The pain was measured immediately before and during application of the ... / Doutor