A reduced length protocol for peripheral magnetic stimulation may be as effective compared to standard length protocol for upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome

1. A 10-minute repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) protocol was as effective as a 15-minute protocol for pain improvement in patients with upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).

Evidence Rating Level: 1 (Excellent)

Neck pain is among the leading causes of disability worldwide, with MPS representing a significant cause of neck pain. Conventional therapies for MPS have had inconsistent results, leading to a greater focus on newer, technology-assisted therapies including rPMS. While the evidence has been growing in support for the use of rPMS in routine practice, the optimal duration of rPMS remains unknown. This randomized clinical trial therefore sought to compare the effectiveness of 10-minute rPMS compared to 15-minute rPMS for pain control in MPS. 66 adult patients with upper trapezius MPS from a single centre in Thailand were randomized to either the 10-minute rPMS protocol or the 15-minute protocol. After 4 weeks, there was no significant difference between the 10-minute and 15-minute groups in pain intensity (adjusted between-group difference: −0.27 [95% CI −0.95–0.40; p = 0.43]). Similarly, the adjusted between-groups difference in pressure pain threshold after 4 weeks was 0.17 (95% CI −0.70–1.03; p = 0.71), again representing no significant difference. After 4 weeks, there was similarly no significant difference between the groups in terms of neck disability index, with a between-groups difference of −0.64 (95% CI −3.29–2.02; p = 0.64). Overall, this study found that extending the length of rPMS to 15 minutes from 10 minutes was not associated with improvements in pain outcomes for adult patients with upper trapezius MPS.  

Click here to read this study in PLOS One

Citation: Jongutchariya T, Hangsaphruek S, Wongkiratimethawi T, Saengsuwan J. Comparison of two repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation protocols for upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome: A randomized trial. PLoS One. 2026;21(10):e0360355. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0360355. PMID: 42848808; PMCID: PMC13648980.

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