Effectiveness of Vacuotherapy and Dry Needling as Adjunct Treatment for Musculoskeletal Cases: A Cohort in a PT Clinic

Abstract

Introduction: Usage of vacuum therapy and dry needling in physical therapy management of musculoskeletal cases have gained increasing usage but there is a limited number of literatures regarding its effect. This study determines the effect size of the interventions, which are vacuotherapy and dry needling as adjunct treatment to exercises, performed in a local PT clinic to musculoskeletal cases in three different treatment sessions with a week gap in between. Methods: The study is a retrospective-cohort where sampling was purposive in gathering historical patient charts. The numerical pain rating scales and relevant range of motion in the musculoskeletal cases were collected for analysis. Results: Results showed large significant reduction in pain scale between sessions but no significant changes in all ranges of motion across different anatomically categorized musculoskeletal cases. Discussions: The results of this study imply that using vacuum therapy and dry needling as adjunct to therapeutic exercises can reduce pain intensities significantly but not ROM. Further research is recommended regarding effects of these tools for ROM and their retention of effects.