Elite athletes’ experiences of musculoskeletal pain management using neuroanatomical dry needling: A qualitative study in Swedish track and field

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate how elite track and field athletes with a history of musculoskeletal pain (MSKP) describe their perceptions of clinical treatments based on dry needling guided by a neurological map (neuroanatomical dry needling (naDN)). Design: Qualitative study. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with eight elite Swedish track and field athletes (6 males, 2 females, median age 28.5) treated at a clinic specialised in MSKP management. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were structured and analysed using a thematic method. Results: The athletes approached clinical MSKP treatment from a performance-orientated perspective. They explained that they inevitably suffered MSKP episodes due to the intense physical demands of their sport. The use of naDN was considered an integral part of their sports practice and the study clinic's services were readily utilised when MSKP caused minor reductions in physical capacity. The athletes appreciated an unambiguous anatomical diagnosis, preferably supported by imaging scans, as this increased their confidence in clinical services. They valued the naDN treatment as it was perceived to provide fast-acting analgesia that enabled rapid return-to-play. These factors combined to reduce performance-related stress. Conclusions: Elite track and field athletes with a history of MSKP sought and appreciated clinical treatment with naDN largely because it provided fast-acting analgesia that enabled rapid return-to-play at a highperformance level. These athletes' expectations of MSKP diagnosis and management appear incongruent with current research indicating that MSKP sensitivity within the nervous system does not accurately reflect musculoskeletal tissue state or recovery following tissue damage.

Dry Needling in Overhead Athletes with Myofascial Shoulder Pain: A Systematic Review

“…On the contrary, Kamali et al, Kheradmandi et al, Jiménez-del-Barrio et al and Ceballos et al did not specify whether the athletes were training during the season or off-season period [ 16 , 17 , 56 , 58 ]. Nonetheless, Thompson et al [ 50 ] showed that athletes appreciated the rapid analgesic effect of the DNY treatment, with a positive influence on reducing the intake of drugs. This is particularly relevant in elite athletes, who have a predisposition to use pharmacological analgesics prior to training and competition up to four times more than the general population of the same age [ 72 , 73 ].…”

“…In light of this evidence, DNY has been utilized in different sport rehabilitation contexts [ 50 , 51 ]. Thompson et al [ 50 ] examined Swedish elite track and field athletes with history of longstanding musculoskeletal pain, reporting the satisfaction of athletes due to the rapid resolution of pain and the immediate return to competition; on the other hand, Fleckenstein et al [ 51 ] reported the decrease in myofascial pain after DNY treatment in various types of athlete, e.g., runners with tendinopathy, military athletes with chest pain, shoulder pain in a non-professional athletes, knee pain in elite ballet dancers, hamstring strain in a pole-vaulters or shoulder pain in three tennis players.…”

Acupuncture and Dry Needling for Sports Performance and Recovery

“…Thompson et al (69) conducted interviews with eight elite track and field athletes to obtain perceptions on neuroanatomic dry needling. They were asked questions regarding several major themes: perception of musculoskeletal pain and injury, clinical care process at the study clinic, assessment of diagnostic process, and assessment of clinical and athletics outcomes.…”