PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of stabilization exercises on patients' pain levels and functional activities and compared the treatment effects of stabilization exercises with the application of taping therapy before stabilization exercises to provide more effective therapeutic methods for patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). SUBJECTS: Thirty-two patients with MPS in the trapezius muscle were divided into two groups: stabilization exercise group (n = 16), and a group that had taping applied before performing stabilization exercises (n = 16). METHODS: The degree of pain was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS). Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured at trigger points the trapezius muscle using a pressure algometer, and the Constant-Murley Scale (CMS) was used for functional evaluation. RESULTS: The changes in the VAS and PPT in the upper trapezius muscle resulting from treatment in the stabilization exercise group and the group with taping applied before stabilization exercises were statistically significant in both groups. The changes in CMS in the group that had taping applied before the stabilization exercises showed statistically significant differences in all items. Comparison of CMS between the groups showed significant differences in pain and ability to perform activities of daily living. CONCLUSION: Applying taping before stabilization exercises is more effective at relieving pain and improving the ability to perform activities of daily living of patients with myofascial pain syndrome in the upper trapezius muscle than treatment that uses only stabilization exercises.

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