In a single-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trial, the addition of 2 weeks of Kinesio taping therapy to exercise led to a higher improvement in neck pain, disability, trigger point diameter, and thickness of the trapezius muscle. The purpose of the study was to determine the efficacy of Kinesio taping in patients with neck pain and to determine whether ultrasonographic measurements of the upper trapezius muscle can be utilized in Kinesio taping therapy follow-up.

Overall, 60 participants with nonspecific neck pain were incorporated and randomly assigned to Kinesio taping group (n=29) and exercise group (n=28). Patients in the exercise group were given a four-week neck exercise programme, whereas patients in the Kinesio taping group had a 4-week neck exercise programme with Kinesio tape done twice weekly 4 times.

Subjects were assessed for disability (Neck Disability Index), cervical range of motion, and pain severity (measured using visual analogue scale [VAS]). Additionally, ultrasonography was used to assess the thickness of the upper trapezius muscle and trigger point diameter. All measurements were made by an investigator before, after, and during the first month of treatment.

The findings demonstrated that, as contrasted to the exercise group, the Kinesio taping group's VAS and Neck Disability Index scores improved. Additionally, the Kinesio taping arm outperformed the exercise arm in terms of upper trapezius muscle thickness and trapezius muscle trigger point diameter. There was no clinically meaningful inter-group difference regarding the cervical range of motion. This study also illustrated that ultrasonographic assessment of the trapezius muscle could be used in Kinesio taping therapy follow-up.