The Impact of a Novel Methodological Process for Needling Scars, Fascia, and Muscles in the Management of Myofascial Dysfunction and Chronic Pain in a Population Living With Social and Health Inequities: Quantitative Findings From a Longitudinal Observational Pilot Study.

Abstract

Background: Nonpharmacological interventions are necessary tools for managing chronic pain to reduce dependence on prescribed analgesic medications. myoActivation® is an innovative systematic nonpharmacological assessment and needling process to help reduce chronic pain related to myofascial dysfunction (MFD). Aim: Analyze quantitative data collected during a longitudinal mixed methods observational pilot study in patients living with social and health inequities undergoing myoActivation as part of routine clinical care to determine the impact of this treatment approach on pain intensity, enjoyment of life, general activity, and unregulated drug use. Methods: Following ethics approval, we conducted a prospective observational study of patients receiving sequential myoActivation for chronic pain. Data were collected at baseline (Week 1) and subsequently at 4, 12, and 24 weeks using validated tools, including the PEG (Pain, Enjoyment of Life, General Activity) scale as well as self-reports of substance and analgesic use. Results: There were 35 participants with a median (interquartile range) baseline PEG score of 7.7/10 (6.7-8.7/10). PEG scores improved at each follow-up, with a mean difference from baseline of -2.5 (95% CI -3.4 to -1.5, p < 0.001) at Week 24, which corresponds to a clinically significant (> 30%) and lasting improvement. At 24 weeks, 9/27 (33%) participants reported less unregulated drug use, and 8/27 (30%) reported less analgesic medication use. Discussion: This study suggests that myoActivation pain care can be an effective tool, with a lasting positive impact, to manage MFD and chronic pain in a population living with social and health inequities. Further studies are needed to examine the impact of myoActivation in the primary care setting. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04261959.