Effects of warming imagery aimed at trigger-point sites on tissue compliance, skin temperature, and pain sensitivity in biofeedback-trained patients with chronic pain: a preliminary study.

13 subjects were trained in biofeedback and self-regulation strategies for reducing chronic pain. Upon demonstrating ability to hand warm, subjects were exposed to an imagery exercise designed to increase skin temperature at trigger-point sites, which are small tender irritative foci located in the soft tissue. Skin temperature, tissue compliance, and pressure-pain sensitivity were recorded before and after imagery intervention. Subjects showed significant increases in skin temperature and muscle relaxation at trigger-point sites and decreases in pressure-pain sensitivity. This suggests that localized trigger-point warming may be an effective adjunct in treating chronic pain.