Myofascial Trigger Points in Children With Tension-Type Headache: A New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Option

The goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of a
trigger point–specific physiotherapy on headache frequency,
intensity, and duration in children with episodic or chronic
tension-type headache. Patients were recruited from the special
headache outpatient clinic. A total of 9 girls (mean age 13.1
years; range, 5-15 years) with the diagnosis of tension-type
headache participated in the pilot study from May to September 2006
and received trigger point–specific physiotherapy twice a week by a
trained physiotherapist. After an average number of 6.5 therapeutic
sessions, the headache frequency had been reduced by 67.7%,
intensity by 74.3%, and duration by 77.3%. No side effects were
noted during the treatment. These preliminary findings suggest a
role for active trigger points in children with tension-type
headache. Trigger point–specific physiotherapy seems to be an
effective therapy in these children. Further prospective and
controlled studies in a larger cohort are warranted.