Thermal evaluation of TECAR used in the treatment of active myofascial trigger point

Abstract Introduction This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of TECAR therapy in treating MTrP using thermographic imaging as a diagnostic tool. Material and methods The study was conducted on a group of 13 volunteers aged 25 to 45 years (mean age 34.3 ± 6.4 years) who were diagnosed with active MTrP in the UT muscle. Thermography measured skin temperature changes in the treated areas before and after TECAR therapy. Results The study revealed a correlation between changes in skin temperature and clinical pain indicators, as measured by the NRS and PPT. Initial results showed no significant correlations between temperature parameters and pain scales. However, after seven days of TECAR therapy, a strong, positive correlation was observed between temperature and NRS scores (p = 0.004, r = 0.8), suggesting that TECAR therapy affects temperature in the MTrP area, resulting in a pain decrease. Conclusions The results obtained over 30 days of therapy showed variability in thermal response, indicating the need for further research to fully understand the mechanisms of action of TECAR therapy in the treatment of MTrP. Nevertheless, the observed strong correlation after seven days of therapy suggests promising possibilities for using thermography to monitor treatment effects.