The effect of taping applied to the lower trapezius muscle on the upper trapezius muscle tone, pain, and cervical range of motion in chronic upper trapezius pain patients

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of taping applied to the lower trapezius on the upper trapezius muscle tone, pain intensity, cervical rotation range of motion in chronic upper trapezius pain patients. Design: Case-control study. Methods: Twenty subjects with chronic upper trapezius pain were classified into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group applied lower trapezius facilitation taping and the control group applied sham taping. Taping Before and after the application of taping, muscle tone, pain intensity, and cervical rotation range of motion of the upper trapezius were measured. Results: In the experimental group, there were significant differences in the pressure pain threshold and muscle tone before and after taping. In the comparison between groups, there was a significant difference in muscle tone between the experimental group and the control group. Conclusion: The application of the lower trapezius facilitation taping was found to be effective in reducing the pressure threshold and muscle tone of the upper trapezius. Therefore, it is expected that more effective treatment can be provided by adding lower trapezius facilitation taping to the treatment protocol for patients with chronic shoulder pain.