Objective
This study was conducted to assess the effect of intramuscular electrical stimulation (IMES) and compared it with that of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and dry needling in the patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).

Method
Forty five patients with MPS was assigned randomly to TENS group (n=15), dry needling group (n=15) and IMES group (n=15). In TENS group, TENS was applied to the trigger point. In dry needling group, dry needling was applied to the trigger point. In IMES group, IMES was applied to the trigger point. Duration of treatment was 2 weeks. Effects were assessed before treatment, 1 day, 3 days, 7 days and 14 days after treatment by visual analogue scale (VAS) and McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ). Thermography was performed before treatment, 7 days and 14 days after treatment.

Results
Significant change of VAS improvement ratio was noticed in IMES group from the 1 day after treatment compared with other groups. Significant change of MPQ improvement ratio was noticed in IMES group from the 3 days after treatment compared with other groups. The skin temperature difference was significantly improved in IMES group at 14 days after treatment.

Conclusion
These results showed that IMES is effective treatment method for pain control in patients with MPS. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2002; 26: 562-566)