Comparison of kinesio taping and myofascial release therapy in cervicogenic headache: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose To compare the short-term efficacy of kinesio taping (KT) and myofascial release (MFR), combined with home exercise, on pain, disability, quality of life, and headache frequency in patients with cervicogenic headache (CGH).Methods This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Meram State Hospital, Konya, Turkey, from February to August 2025. Eighty-one patients were randomized to KT plus home exercise, MFR plus home exercise, or home exercise alone (n = 27 each). Interventions lasted 4 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and one month later using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), Headache Disability Inventory (HDI), Short Form-12 (SF-12), and a headache diary for duration and frequency.Results Both KT and MFR groups improved in VAS, HIT-6, HDI, SF-12, and headache frequency compared with baseline (p < 0.05), while the home exercise group showed limited changes. KT and MFR were superior to home exercise alone, with no significant difference between them. HDI improvement was significant only post-treatment in the KT group, whereas the MFR group improved both post-treatment and at one-month follow-up (p < 0.001).Conclusion KT and MFR combined with home exercise are effective short-term treatments for CGH. MFR may provide more sustained improvements in disability and physical quality of life.