Abstract
Background: The effects of the dry needling technique and pain reduction have been demonstrated in numerous quality studies. However, the mechanical effects of dry needling are largely unknown. Methods: A total of 18 subjects with flexor digitorum brevis muscle myofascial trigger point were evaluated pre- and post-deep dry needling. We measured static footprint variables in a pre–post study. Main findings: We found differences in rearfoot maximum pressure (119.22–111.63 KPa; p = 0.025), midfoot maximum pressure (13.68–17.26 KPa; p = 0.077), midfoot medium pressure (4.75–6.24 KPa; p = 0.035) and forefoot surface (86.58–81.75 cm2; p = 0.020). All variables with significant differences decrease, with the exception of forefoot surface which showed an increase. Conclusions: After flexor digitorum brevis muscle dry needling, midfoot plantar pressures (maximum and medium) and forefoot surface were increased, and rearfoot maximum pressure was decreased.
Highlights
Accepted: 11 January 2021Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) generates the most frequent cause of musculoskeletal pain [1]
Myofascial pain is caused by applying pressure to the trigger point, an anatomically hyperirritable localizable structure within the skeletal muscle, which is associated with hypersensitivity symptoms while undergoing clinical exploration via compression, stretch, overload and/or contraction of the muscle [2,3,4]
Our study demonstrates the importance of the flexor digitorum brevis in maintaining adequate plantar pressure in a static position
Summary
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) generates the most frequent cause of musculoskeletal pain [1]. Myofascial pain is caused by applying pressure to the trigger point, an anatomically hyperirritable localizable structure within the skeletal muscle, which is associated with hypersensitivity symptoms while undergoing clinical exploration via compression, stretch, overload and/or contraction of the muscle [2,3,4]. Different studies show that central sensitization is a process that can be reversible in myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) with dry needling treatment [7,8]. High-quality studies demonstrate that dry needling can be an effective and safe method for the treatment of myofascial pain [9,10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
