Short-term results of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization in female patients with myofascial pain syndrome: A randomized blinded sham-controlled study.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the Graston method, an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) technique, on pain reduction, trigger point count (TPC), pain pressure threshold (PPT), disability, depression, and quality of life. Patients and methods: This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study included 84 female patients who were divided into three groups: the Graston group (GG), the sham group (SG), and the control group (CG). In addition to exercise, IASTM was applied to GG with the Graston technique, while the IASTM device was applied to SG without any technique. The CG received exercise only. Patients were assessed before and after treatment using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), TPC, PPT, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the World Health Organization Health-Related Quality of Life-Brief Form (WHOQOL-BREF). Results: Eight patients were lost to follow-up, and one patient failed to adhere to the exercise program. Hence, data from 75 female patients (mean age: 33.8±13.2 years) were analyzed. A statistically significant improvement was detected in NRS, TPC, PPT, and NDI in all groups. The difference in NDI and BDI scores in the GG was statistically significantly higher than in the SG. A statistically significant difference was detected in the GG compared to the CG in the changes in NRS, left-sided TPC, total TPC, NDI scores, BDI scores, and WHOQL-BREF physical health subgroup scores. Conclusion: Adding IASTM treatment to exercises for treating myofascial trigger points provided additional benefits on quality of life, depression, and disability. However, IASTM treatment applied with the Graston technique and sham treatment was similarly effective on pain and the TPC. The IASTM treatment did not affect PPT.