Comparison of kinesio taping and myofascial release therapy in cervicogenic headache: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the short-term efficacy of kinesio taping (KT) and myofascial release (MFR), combined with home exercise, on pain, disability, quality of life, and headache frequency in patients with cervicogenic headache (CGH).

Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Meram State Hospital, Konya, Turkey, from February to August 2025. Eighty-one patients were randomized to KT plus home exercise, MFR plus home exercise, or home exercise alone (n = 27 each). Interventions lasted 4 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and one month later using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), Headache Disability Inventory (HDI), Short Form-12 (SF-12), and a headache diary for duration and frequency.

Results: Both KT and MFR groups improved in VAS, HIT-6, HDI, SF-12, and headache frequency compared with baseline (p < 0.05), while the home exercise group showed limited changes. KT and MFR were superior to home exercise alone, with no significant difference between them. HDI improvement was significant only post-treatment in the KT group, whereas the MFR group improved both post-treatment and at one-month follow-up (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: KT and MFR combined with home exercise are effective short-term treatments for CGH. MFR may provide more sustained improvements in disability and physical quality of life.