The effect of dry needling in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that dry needling is more effective than sham dry needling in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). This was a prospective, double-blinded, randomized-controlled study conducted in an outpatient clinic. Thirty-nine subjects with established myofascial trigger points were randomized into two groups: study group (N = 22) and placebo group (N = 17). Dry needling was applied using acupuncture needles, and sham dry needling was applied in the placebo group. The treatment was composed of six sessions which were performed in 4 weeks; the first four sessions were performed twice a week (for 2 weeks) and the last two, once a week (for 2 weeks). The visual analog scale (VAS) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) were used. When compared with the initial values, VAS scores of the dry needling group following the first and sixth sessions were significantly lower (p = 0.000 and p < 0.000, respectively). When VAS scores were compared between the groups, the first assessment scores were found to be similar, but the second and third assessment scores were found to be significantly lower in the dry needling group (p = 0.034 and p < 0.001, respectively). When SF-36 scores of the groups were compared, both the physical and mental component scores were found to be significantly increased in the dry needling group, whereas only those of vitality scores were found to be increased significantly in the placebo (sham needling) group. The present study shows that the dry needling treatment is effective in relieving the pain and in improving the quality of life of patients with MPS.

Comparision of two different dry-needling techniques in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome

“…In a study by Tekin et al the immediate effects of DDN on pain and quality of life was compared with that of sham dry needling in 39 patients and DDN was found superior to sham dry needling. [9] Likewise Itoh et al observed that DDN is more effective than traditional acupuncture and superficial dry needling, for pain relief and neck disability in 40 patients and these effects lasted for 12 weeks. [8] On the other hand Hsieh et al used 25 G hypodermic needles for dry needling (peppering technique) in 14 MPS patients, and peppering was found effective for reducing pain and improving range of motion immediateley after the procedure.…”

“…There are a number of studies in the literature demonstrating its efficacy. [7][8][9] The other technique that uses hypodermic needles is first described by Travell and Simons in 1942 on the other hand.…”

Using thermal imaging to monitor the treatment of latent myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius

“…The results of this research has shown that dry needling, with manipulation -needle insertion and needle stimulation -or without -needle insertion alone -may or not 10.21611/qirt.2016.118 be beneficial in pain reduction [7][8][9][10]. The differences across protocols, enrolled patients, outcome selection and measurement techniques do not allow to formulate a definite position on the efficacy of the technique in trigger point rehabilitation.…”

“…Several studies have addressed the effects of dry needling application in patients with myofascial trigger points with inconclusive results but few have investigated its application in latent myofascial trigger points [7][8][9][10]. Regardless of the number of studies, the methodological variability makes it difficult to conclude on the effectiveness of dry needling, specially in latent myofascial trigger points.…”

Adverse events following trigger point dry needling: a prospective survey of chartered physiotherapists

“…2 Research is emerging supporting the use of TrP-DN for conditions such as back and neck pain, [11][12][13] shoulder pain, 14 and upper quadrant myofascial pain. 15 Furlan et al 16 conducted a systematic Cochrane meta-review of randomized controlled trials investigating acupuncture and TrP-DN for back pain. Trigger point dry needling was found to be a useful adjunct to other therapies in the treatment of persons with chronic low back pain.…”