Intramuscular Electrical Stimulation on Upper Trapezius With Trigger Points

First group (n=12) received IMES using inverse electrode placement. The needle electrode inserted into the paraspinal region was connected to the active or cathode pole of the electrical stimulator. The reference or anode pole of the electrical stimulator was connected to the electrode that was inserted into the MTrP area of the UT muscle. The muscle was stimulated for 10 min with a tolerable intensity in a single session to induce muscle relaxation

Second group (n=12) underwent IMES with conventional electrode placement. In this group, the cathode pole of the stimulator was connected to the needle inserted into the UT muscle, and the anode pole was connected to the needles of the paraspinal region of the cervical spine. Needle electrodes were connected using alligator clip connectors. The muscle was stimulated for 10 min with a tolerable intensity in a single session to induce muscle relaxation.

Third group (n=12) received sham-IMES. Similar to the experimental intervention groups, the cathode pole of the stimulator was connected to the needle inserted into the UT muscle, and the anode pole was connected to the needles of the paraspinal region of the cervical spine. However, the delivered IMES was very minimal intensity