Comparison of the placebo effect of kinesio taping and dry needling in patients with myofascial pain syndrome

Authors : Ahmet Can Haskan, Fariz Selimli, Çağatay Akıncı
Pages : 540-548
Doi:10.17826/cumj.1696222
View : 110 | Download : 132
Publication Date : 2025-06-30
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Purpose: This study assessed the effectiveness of affordable, easy-to-apply kinesiology taping and dry needling for myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) in the orofacial region. Materials and Methods: Forty-six patients diagnosed with MPS were randomly assigned to one of three groups: kinesiology taping (n = 15), dry needling (n = 16), or sham dry needling (n = 15). Evaluations were conducted at baseline, Day 1, Week 3, and Month 3. Assessment tools included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), goniometric mouth opening, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). Results: All groups demonstrated a reduction in pain over time. VAS scores decreased from 6.26 to 4.42 in the kinesiology taping group, from 6.10 to 4.14 in the dry needling group, and from 5.75 to 4.20 in the sham group. Maximum mouth opening increased in all groups by Month 3. For example, the kinesiology group improved from 29.53 mm to 31.40 mm. However, the intergroup differences were not statistically significant. Significant improvement was observed in SF-36 physical function scores in both treatment groups compared to the sham group at Week 3. Depression levels (BDI scores) increased significantly in the kinesiology taping group, rising from 53.86 to 65.46. In contrast, the dry needling and sham groups showed more stable scores. Conclusion: Both kinesiology taping and dry needling were effective in reducing pain. They also improved quality of life and physical function in patients with MPS. However, dry needling was associated with a smaller increase in depression levels following treatment. These findings support the clinical use of both techniques as viable treatment options for MPS.
Keywords : Miyofasiyal Ağrı Sendromu, Kinezyo Bantlama, Kuru İğneleme

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