Abstract
BackgroundDry needling (DN) has been consistently shown to decrease pain sensitivity and increase flexibility local to the site of treatment, however it is unclear whether these effects are limited to the region of treatment or can be observed remote to the area of treatment. ObjectiveTo determine the immediate, short-term effects of DN to the thoracolumbar junction on regional and remote flexibility, and to observe if changes in pain sensitivity can occur remote to site of treatment. DesignDouble-blind randomized clinical trial. MethodsFifty-four subjects with low back pain and decreased length in at least one hamstring were randomized to receive either DN or sham DN to the T12 and L1 multifidi. Participants underwent regional (fingertip-to-floor) and remote flexibility (passive knee extension, passive straight leg raise) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) testing of the upper and lower extremity before, immediately after and 1 day after treatment. ANCOVAs were used to analyze flexibility data, with the covariate of pre-treatment values. Paired t-tests were used for difference in remote pain sensitivity. ResultsStatistically larger improvements in regional flexibility, but not remote flexibility, were observed immediately post-treatment in those who received DN than in those receiving sham DN (p = .0495; adjusted difference 1.2, 95% CI 0.002–2.3). Differences between upper and lower extremity PPT were not significant. ConclusionDN can potentially have immediate changes in regional flexibility, but effects are not sustained at 24-h follow-up. DN may not affect remote flexibility or segmental pain sensitivity.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.