Efficacy of Dry Needling Treatment in Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Efficacy of Dry Needling Treatment in Myofascial Pain Syndrome-single Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of this study is to investigate the short and long-term effects of dry-needling of participants with trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. 64 participants who diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome will be included in the study. All participants will have trigger points in the upper trapezius muscles. They are randomised into two groups: dry needling (n=32) and exercise group (n=32). Ultrasonographic evaluation of trigger points (diameter, circumference and area), pain intensity and neck disability will be evaluated as primary outcome. Active cervical range of motion will be evaluated as secondary outcome.

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the short and long-term effects of dry-needling of participants with trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. Methods: 64 participants who diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome will be included in the study. All participants will have trigger points in the upper trapezius muscles. They are randomised into two groups: dry needling (n=32) and exercise group (n=32). Ultrasonographic evaluation of trigger points (diameter, circumference and area), pain intensity and neck disability will be evaluated as primary outcome. Active cervical range of motion will be evaluated as secondary outcome. All treatments will be applied by an investigator and a different blinded investigator will evaluated all participants. Numerical Rating Scale will be used for evaluating pain intensity and Neck Disability Index will be used for evaluating neck disability. Dry-needling treatment will be applied once a week for three weeks. Servical stretching exercises are given to all participants. (20 repetitions in one session and 2 sessions in a day, three days a week.) All participants will be evaluated before treatment, after treatment (at 3rd week) and at 3 month follow-ups.

Dry needling is a technique in which a fine needle is used to penetrate the skin, subcutaneous tissues and muscles to mechanically disrupt tissue without the use of anesthesia. Treatment is often used to treat myofascial trigger points.

All treatments will be applied by an investigator and a different blinded investigator will evaluate all participants

32 participants in this group Dry-needling treatment will be applied once a week for three weeks. Servical stretching exercises are given to all participants. (20 repetitions in one session and 2 sessions in a day, three days a week.) All participants will be evaluated before treatment, after treatment (at 3rd week) and at 3 month follow-ups.

32 participants in this group Servical stretching exercises are given to all participants. (20 repetitions in one session and 2 sessions in a day, three days a week.) All participants will be evaluated before treatment, after treatment (at 3rd week) and at 3 month follow-ups.

Dry needling is a technique in which a fine needle is used to penetrate the skin, subcutaneous tissues and muscles to mechanically disrupt tissue without the use of anesthesia. Treatment is often used to treat myofascial trigger points.

Inclusion Criteria: trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle 18-45 years old no treatment in three months for myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) accept to participate treatment program Exclusion Criteria: already treated in 3 months for MPS below 18 years and above 45 years old no acceptance to participate the trial

Gattie E, Cleland JA, Snodgrass S. The Effectiveness of Trigger Point Dry Needling for Musculoskeletal Conditions by Physical Therapists: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017 Mar;47(3):133-149. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2017.7096. Epub 2017 Feb 3.

Gerber LH, Shah J, Rosenberger W, Armstrong K, Turo D, Otto P, Heimur J, Thaker N, Sikdar S. Dry Needling Alters Trigger Points in the Upper Trapezius Muscle and Reduces Pain in Subjects With Chronic Myofascial Pain. PM R. 2015 Jul;7(7):711-718. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.01.020. Epub 2015 Feb 4.

Gattie ER, Cleland JA, Snodgrass SJ. Dry Needling for Patients With Neck Pain: Protocol of a Randomized Clinical Trial. JMIR Res Protoc. 2017 Nov 22;6(11):e227. doi: 10.2196/resprot.7980.