Clinical effect of kinesio taping combined with dry needling to myofascial trigger point on shoulder-hand syndrome in hemiplegia patients: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS) is a common complication after stroke, characterized by pain, edema, and functional impairment of the upper limb. Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) play a key role in its pathophysiology. Kinesio taping (KT) and dry needling (DN) have been used individually for pain management, but their combined efficacy in post-stroke SHS remains unclear. AIM: This study aimed to examine the efficacy of Kinesio taping combined with dry needling in the management of MTrPs among patients with post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder-hand syndrome. DESIGN: A prospective, double-blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Rehabilitation department of a tertiary hospital. POPULATION: Eighty-four individuals diagnosed with SHS were enrolled and allocated to three intervention groups. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: DN alone (Group A, N.=28), KT alone (Group B, N.=28), and combined DN+KT (Group C, N.=28). All participants received conventional rehabilitation therapy. Assessments included the Visual Analog Scale, Activities of Daily Living score assessed via the Barthel Index, Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity, passive range of motion (PROM), and an 8-figure volumetric measurement. Evaluations were conducted before and after a 28-day treatment period. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0. Paired t-tests were applied for within-group comparisons, and independent sample t-tests for between-group differences, with a significance threshold of P<0.05. RESULTS: Each group exhibited significant improvements across all outcome measures (P<0.05). Group C demonstrated superior results compared to both Group A and Group B in every metric (P<0.05). Statistically significant differences between Group A and Group B were observed only in the 8-figure volumetric measurement (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of DN and KT yields greater benefits than either intervention alone in alleviating pain, reducing edema, and improving functional outcomes in patients with SHS. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: This combined approach offers an effective, non-pharmacological strategy that can be readily integrated into routine rehabilitation practice to enhance upper limb recovery, reduce disability, and improve quality of life in post-stroke patients with SHS.