PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of pulsed ND:YAG laser combined with the progressive pressure release technique (PPRT) and exercises in the treatment of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients with MTrPs in the upper trapezius muscle participated in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups and treated with laser plus PPRT (laser+PPRT group) or placebo laser and exercises (PL+PPRT group). The laser was applied for eight MTrPs with a 50 J/point. PPRT was applied for 30 seconds for each point. Exercises included strengthening and stretching exercises applied three times per week for four weeks. A visual analogue scale (VAS) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) were used to measure pain and pain threshold, respectively. A cervical range of motion device (CROM) was used to measure the cervical range of motion. RESULTS: Both treatment groups showed significant improvement in CROM, PPT, and VAS post-treatment with a more significant effect in the laser+PPRT group compared to the PL+PPRT group. CONCLUSION: PPRT and exercises alone or that in combination with laser therapy were effective in the treatment of active MTrPs in patients with MPS.

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