Immediate Effects of Multiple Ischemic Compression Applications on Pain Sensitivity and Biomechanical Properties of...

Background: Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are hyperirritable spots within taut bands of skeletal muscle fibers, often developing in overloaded muscles. Ischemic compression (IC) is a frequently used therapeutic technique for MTrP treatment. Material and Methods: Seventy-nine participants with MTrPs in the upper trapezius muscle were included. Three IC protocols were used. In group 1, the compression force was increased once; in group 2, twice; and in group 3, three times-each time up to the pain threshold, then held constant until the pain subsided. Evaluations included pressure pain threshold (PPT), pressure pain perception (PPP), and myotonometric measurements. Results: PPT values increased significantly in group 2 (p = 0.009) and group 3 (p = 0.009), while PPP values decreased significantly in both groups (group 2: p = 0.016; group 3: p = 0.041) post-intervention. Group 1 showed a significant reduction in muscle tone (p < 0.001), and group 2 in muscle stiffness (p = 0.036). Muscle elasticity significantly improved in all groups: group 1 (p = 0.022), group 2 (p = 0.001), and group 3 (p = 0.042). Conclusions: IC applied with a constant force at the individual's pain perception threshold effectively elevates the pain threshold and enhances the biomechanical parameters of muscle fibers in the trigger point area.