Effects of dry needling to the symptomatic versus control shoulder in patients with unilateral subacromial pain syndrome

Effectiveness of Percutaneous Electrolysis in Supraspinatus Tendinopathy: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Moreover, the short follow-up period of previous studies as well as the lack of comparison with other techniques severely limits their scientific relevance [ 3 , 17 , 20 ]. For that reason, this study used a comparison group that underwent trigger point dry needling of the upper trapezius towards the supraspinatus muscle, which is an useful and cost-effectiveness treatment as proven by several authors [ 14 , 16 ]. The base treatment used was a protocol of eccentric exercises whose results have also been assessed [ 9 ].…”

“…Pressure pain threshold: The amount of pressure applied until the subject referred to pain for first time [ 25 ]. According to this, the sensitivity of the subacromial region and of distal, middle and proximal regions of the supraspinatus muscle were also considered, locating mechanosensible points on the upper trapezius close to the anatomical projection of supraspinatus trigger points [ 14 ] and pressing on them with an algometer until pain was felt. The value of the pressure reached was collected as the threshold where pain appeared.…”

“…A dermographic pencil was used to mark the location of the hyperalgesic points on the upper trapezius (on the anatomical projection of the supraspinatus muscle) that reproduced familiar pain to the patient and where pressure produced the characteristic local twitch response [ 14 ]. After that, the zone was disinfected with alcohol and the needle was inserted towards the supraspinatus fossa using hand gloves [ 14 ]. No other muscles were needled, to assure comparability with PE group, were only the supraspinatus was needled.…”

“…The effects of this therapy include an increase in muscle blood flow and oxygenation, the suppression of spontaneous electrical activity in the area, the release of endogenous opioids, segmental inhibition induced by Gate Control mechanisms, and the release of inflammatory mediators [ 11 ]. This approach alone has shown good clinical results in shoulder and neck pain improvement in the short and medium terms [ 12 , 13 , 14 ] but also when delivered along with an exercise program [ 15 ]. Moreover, a recent study of Arias-Buría et al supports its cost-effectiveness for the management of subacromial pain syndrome [ 16 ].…”

Reliability of the Upper Trapezius Muscle and Fascia Thickness and Strain Ratio Measures by Ultrasonography and Sonoelastography in Participants With Myofascial Pain Syndrome

“…23,24 Assessment of muscle thickness changes by USI and mechanical properties of muscle using SE have been considered in many clinical trials. [25][26][27][28] The previously mentioned measurements quantify the changes in myofascial structures after treatments, especially dry needling. 29,30 On one hand, the reliability of USI, as an instrument for measuring muscle thickness, has been reported in some studies.…”