Topical anesthetic to release trigger points in painful myofascial syndrome. Pilot study

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The myofascial syndrome is a painful regional disorder that is characterized by the presence of painful points that cause referred pain in other sites different from the one of origin, known as trigger points. The use of topical anesthetic associated with acupressure to release trigger points helps to alleviate pain during the myofascial release. The objective of this study was to calibrate instruments to evaluate the topical anesthetic action of lidocaine in active myofascial trigger points during the myofascial release procedure. METHODS: Pilot, prospective study, tied with the Professional Master's Degree in Health Applied Sciences of the University of Vale do Sapucaí, Pouso Alegre, MG, conducted with the purpose to evaluate the analgesic effect of lidocaine in concentrations of 2, 4 and 7% after 3, 5 and 10 minutes of the application in patients with painful myofascial syndrome. RESULTS: The descriptive statistics analysis showed a painful response in all lidocaine concentrations related to the evaluated times, except for 7% of lidocaine 10 minutes after the application. CONCLUSION: The myofascial release was more efficient using lidocaine at 7%, with a ten-minute interval for the anesthetic effect to start the physiotherapy intervention.

A new look at the body: teaching surface anatomy from contact with Integrative and complementary health practices

“…The trigger-points are, clinically, "discrete, hardened and painful nodules, whose pathogenesis is not yet well defined, however, it is believed that this phenomenon is owed to the enclosure of nerve endings in muscle fibers, triggering sensitization". 30 Trigger-points are considered a Myofascial Syndrome, that is, "a regional painful disorder characterized by the presence of painful points, which causes pain reported in other places different from the origin". 30 The suction cup therapy is practiced in several countries and uses cups to pull the dermis and muscular tissues, creating the petechiae through the force exerted on the blood that is located under the skin, bringing it to the surface.…”

“…30 Trigger-points are considered a Myofascial Syndrome, that is, "a regional painful disorder characterized by the presence of painful points, which causes pain reported in other places different from the origin". 30 The suction cup therapy is practiced in several countries and uses cups to pull the dermis and muscular tissues, creating the petechiae through the force exerted on the blood that is located under the skin, bringing it to the surface. The benefits are identified through the activation of blood circulation and its possibility to treat a variety of conditions.…”