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Research Article: Comparison of interfascial plane injection and trigger point injection for upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome in young women: a prospective cohort study

Date Published: 2026-05-11

Abstract:
Upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome (UT-MPS) is a common painful disorder, particularly among young women. While both interfascial plane injection (IPI) and trigger point injection (TPI) are utilized, their comparative clinical profiles in this population are unclear. This prospective cohort study compared the efficacy of TPI and IPI in 50 young women with UT-MPS. Although a non-randomized design was employed to reflect real-world clinical practice, blinded outcome assessment was maintained to minimize bias. Participants were assigned to either TPI ( n =?25) or IPI ( n =?25) and received three weekly ultrasound-guided injections of 0.2% ropivacaine. The primary outcome was pain intensity (NRS). Secondary outcomes included the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), Neck Disability Index (NDI), muscle stiffness assessed by shear-wave elastography (SWE), adverse events, and patient satisfaction, with follow-up to 12?weeks. Repeated measures analysis of covariance (RM-ANCOVA) was used for statistical analysis with baseline NRS as a covariate. Both groups showed significant improvement over time in pain intensity, pain quality, functional disability, and muscle stiffness (all p <?0.05), with no significant between-group differences in clinical efficacy (all p >?0.05). However, the IPI group had significantly lower adverse event incidence (1.3% vs. 10.7%, p =?0.034) and higher patient satisfaction with treatment comfort and procedural pain tolerance ( p =?0.033). For young female patients with UT-MPS, both ultrasound-guided IPI and TPI effectively relieved pain, improved cervical function and reduced muscle stiffness at 12?weeks. However, IPI offered distinct advantages in safety and patient satisfaction, which offers practical advantages in clinical settings where procedural simplicity is prioritized.

Introduction:
Upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome (UT-MPS) is a common painful disorder, particularly among young women. While both interfascial plane injection (IPI) and trigger point injection (TPI) are utilized, their comparative clinical profiles in this population are unclear.

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