Therapeutic Effect of Superficial Acupuncture in Treating Myofascial Pain of the Upper Trapezius Muscle: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Table 1
Inclusion and exclusion criteria of the patients.
Inclusion criteria
(1) One or more tender spots within palpable taut bands over upper trapezius muscle
(2) Referred pain pattern is shown when a pressure of 2.5 kgf/cm2 was applied on the taut bands
(3) VAS of upper trapezius region within two to seven
Exclusion criteria
(1) Fibromyalgia, cervical radiculopathy, myeloid type cervical spondylopathy, and those who have had cervical spine operation
(2) A systematic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or tuberculosis
(3) Therapy for myofascial pain in the upper trapezius muscle within the past one month before the evaluation
(4) Contraindication to undergoing acupuncture treatments, such as being pregnant, local infection, anticoagulant therapy, and allergy to alcohol or stainless steel
