The use of dry needling to treat painful shoulder syndrome – a case report

Abstract

Background. Painful shoulder syndrome is a common condition in society. Most patients experience pain and reduced mobility of the affected limb, which can have an impact on the quality of life. This report presents a case of a patient with pain and reduced range of motion in the left shoulder. Aim of the study. The study aim was to evaluate the efficacy of dry needling in the treatment of painful shoulder syndrome, based on functional measures of pain, disability and range of motion. Case report. A 42-year old patient reported pain in her left shoulder. A series of 6 dry needling sessions were performed, twice a week, for a period of 3 weeks. Prior to, and immediately after, the therapy a subjective pain assessment using the VAS pain rating scale and an assessment of the degree of disability using the Modified Laitinen Pain Questionnaire were performed. The range of motion within the shoulder girdle was also measured with a goniometer. Conclusion. Following the dry needling therapy, a reduction in pain and improved shoulder girdle mobility was observed.