Effects of Dry Needling and Low-Power Laser for the Treatment of Trigger Points in the Upper Trapezius Muscle: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare the effect of low-power laser therapy, dry needling, and exercise therapy on treating patients with neck and back pain and a diagnosis of the myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. MethodsA randomized clinical trial was conducted in Isfahan, Iran, in 2019. The study sample (78 participants) was randomly allocated to 3 groups of 26, including stretching exercises (3 times a day for 2 weeks, control group), low-power laser (3 sessions for 2 weeks, 6 J/cm2, mean power of 100 MW in each point), and dry needling (4 sessions, with 25 × 0.25-mm needles). For all patients, the visual analog scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), and shoulder pain and disability index (SPDI) were completed at baseline, immediately, and 1 month after treatment. ResultsFinal participants in this study (n = 60) consisted of 33 (55%) female patients and 27 (45%) male patients, with a mean age of 51.25 ± 7.94 years. In the exercise group, VAS, NDI, and SPDI scores were not remarkably different in the studied periods (P > .05). Moreover, a notable decrease in VAS, NDI, and SPDI scores were observed in the treatment intervals. However, by excluding the effect of the control group, no substantial difference was observed between the 2 treatments (P > .05). ConclusionThe use of laser therapy and dry needling methods induced a rapid response to pain relief. There was no difference between the 2 forms of treatment in the short term.