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

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. 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. PPT values increased significantly in group 2 ( = 0.009) and group 3 ( = 0.009), while PPP values decreased significantly in both groups (group 2: = 0.016; group 3: = 0.041) post-intervention. Group 1 showed a significant reduction in muscle tone ( < 0.001), and group 2 in muscle stiffness ( = 0.036). Muscle elasticity significantly improved in all groups: group 1 ( = 0.022), group 2 ( = 0.001), and group 3 ( = 0.042). 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.