What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial with 30 patients to evaluate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy on myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).
What They Found
In the HBO group (n=20), pain threshold significantly increased and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores significantly decreased immediately after and 3 months after HBO therapy. Pain Disability Index (PDI), Mental and Physical Health SF-12 scores also improved significantly after 3 months, while the control group (n=10) showed no changes in pain thresholds, VAS, or Mental Health SF-12 scores.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy could potentially offer a new treatment option for managing myofascial pain syndrome, providing relief from pain and improving quality of life. Patients experiencing MPS might discuss this therapy with their healthcare providers as a possible alternative or adjunct treatment.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study was limited by its small sample size and the need for further randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled studies.