Introduction: Myofascial trigger points (MPT) are hyperirritable sites in the taut muscle band. They are often neglected as a potential factor in the development and maintenance of pain. However, MPT are commonly associated with shoulder pain and can lead to functional limitations. MPT in the shoulder muscles can occur as a result of acute trauma or repetitive overuse and can mimic shoulder joint or acromioclavicular joint dysfunction, shoulder impingement syndrome, or rotator cuff pathology. Manual trigger point therapy can have an impact on pain, shoulder function, and range of motion in the shoulder joint. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the effects of manual trigger point therapy on shoulder joint pain and function in patients with nonspecific shoulder pain. Methods: Literature was found in PubMed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library and Medline databases with different combinations of keywords in English. Results: The literature review included seven randomized controlled trials. The authors compared the effects of manual trigger point therapy with other physiotherapy procedures or a placebo group. Manual trigger point treatment can be effectively integrated into therapy and it can reduce pain intensity, improve shoulder function, and increase range of motion. Discussion and Conclusion: It can be concluded that manual trigger point therapy is effective in reducing pain and improving shoulder function. It is recommended in combination with other physiotherapy procedures.
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