Possible applications of Neuromuscular Taping in pain reduction in Multiple Sclerosis subject: a preliminary report

Abstract

Pain is a common disabling symptom in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It has been indicated that pain prevalence in MS
patients is between 29–86 %. It is evident that most MS patients requiring treatment will be also searching pain related treatments
to assist in day to day activities. Neuropathic pain is a difficult symptom and is generally inadequately relieved even though different
rehabilitative approaches may be used. Neuromuscular Taping inducing micro-movements by stimulating receptors in the skin has
been described in literature as a possible intervention in neurological and orthopedic rehabilitation improving mobility and in pain
reduction. The aim of this preliminary report was to analyze the effect and to evaluate the possible applications of Neuromuscular
Taping (NMT) in patients with MS in order to reduce pain in comparison to the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
(TENS) and to physical rehabilitation treatment alone. We observed that NMT together with standard physical rehabilitation was
able to reduce neuropathic pain to greater lengths, with statistically significant differences between pre and post treatment, compared
to the other treatments evaluated. This study showed increased efficacy in pain reduction when NMT was applied to standard
physical treatment in long standing pain conditions. Neuromuscular Taping may constitute a low cost treatment strategy for
neuropathic pain conditions in MS.