Additional Effect of Interfascial Hydrodissection With Dextrose on Shoulder and Neck Function in Patients With Myofascial Pain Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate whether the application of an interfascial injection with dextrose water could result in reduced pain and improved shoulder function and range of motion. DESIGN: This is a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Thirty-five patients with chronic shoulder pain were randomly assigned to receive either an interfascial injection of 10 mL of 10% dextrose water guided by ultrasound or a sham injection of 0.5 mL of 10% dextrose water into the subcutaneous layer. All patients received education on a home program of self-massage and self-stretching. Shoulder pain, shoulder range of motion, and neck and shoulder function were measured before injection and at 4 and 12 wks after injection. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements in visual analog scale scores at 12-wk follow-up. The interfascial injection group exhibited a significant pain reduction compared with the sham group at the 12-wks follow-up. No between-group differences were observed in shoulder range of motion, pain threshold, and neck and shoulder function. CONCLUSIONS: Interfascial injection is effective in decreasing pain in patients with myofascial pain syndrome.