Dry Needling Therapy Research Articles

Comparison of the effects of dry needling and spinal manipulative therapy versus spinal manipulative therapy alone on functional disability and endurance in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain: An experimental study.

Low back pain (LBP) is a global musculoskeletal ailment. Over the past few years, dry needling (DN) has garnered interest from both physical therapists and patients. Physical therapy commonly employs spinal manipulation to alleviate persistent LBP and other musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of spinal manipulation alone and in combination with DN on functional disability and endurance in individuals suffering from chronic nonspecific LBP. Patients of both genders who had chronic nonspecific LBP and who had not received physical therapy within the last 3 months were included in this single-blind, randomized controlled trial using purposive sampling. All participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental (SMT + DN) or control (SMT alone) group using computer-generated random numbers. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. For between-group comparisons, the Mann-Whitney U test was used. A P-value < .05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. The analysis of the difference between the 2 groups revealed that the mean ± standard deviation (SD) for the SMT alone group was 16.09 ± 3.963 at baseline and 12.66 ± 3.801 at 8 weeks, whereas for the DN + ST group, it was 13.67 ± 3.904 at baseline and 10.92 ± 3.534 at 8 weeks, with a P-value of .003. Thus, the RMDQ score improved gradually in both groups, and the mean endurance score reported for the ST group was 2.5 to 4.5, while that reported for the DN + ST group was 3.1 to 5.1. The results of this study showed that both therapies effectively reduced LBP. When comparing the effects of spinal manipulation alone to those of spinal manipulation combined with DN, the latter showed significantly greater benefits.

Comparing The Effects of Compression Contrast Therapy and Dry Needling on Muscle Functionality, Pressure Pain Threshold, and Perfusion after Isometric Fatigue in Forearm Muscles of Combat Sports Athletes: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of compression contrast therapy (CT) and dry needling therapy (DN) on muscle tension (MT), muscle strength (Fmax), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and perfusion (PU) following fatigue of forearm muscles (e.g., flexor carpi radialis) in combat sports athletes. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was employed. Participants first underwent muscle fatigue induction, which involved sustaining an isometric handgrip at 60% of their maximum voluntary contraction in 5-second cycles. This was followed by exposure to one of the regenerative therapies. Forty-five participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: CT/DN (n = 15), CT/ShDN (n = 15), and ShCT/DN (n = 15). The sham condition (Sh) involved a simulated version of the technique. Measurements were taken at four time points: (i) at rest; (ii) immediately after exercise that led to a state of fatigue; (iii) 5 minutes after therapy (PostTh5min); and (iv) 24 hours after therapy (PostTh24h). Each participant was exposed to one experimental condition and one control condition, thereby undergoing evaluation in two sessions. Significant differences between groups were found in MT during the PostTh5min (p = 0.005), as well as in PU during the PostTh5min (p < 0.001) and PU during the PostTh24h (p < 0.001). All groups showed significant improvements at 5 minutes post-therapy compared to immediately post-muscle fatigue. As conclusions, CT/DN seems to be significantly better for enhancing MT and PU after 5 minutes of muscle fatigue induction. Using either CT, DN, or both combined is recommended to enhance the recovery of muscle functionality and properties, favoring recovery and potentially speeding up performance enhancement.

Efficacy of Dry Needling in Enhancing Hand Function and Reducing Spasticity in MCA Stroke Patients: A Prospective Case Report

Stroke, particularly involving the middle cerebral artery (MCA), often leads to persistent disability, significantly impairing hand function and inducing severe spasticity in the forearm flexors due to complex motor pathway involvement. This case report evaluates the effectiveness of combining dry needling therapy (DNT) with task-oriented training (TOT) in reducing spasticity and improving hand function in a post-MCA stroke patient. A 61-year-old male with right-side hemiplegia following a left MCA stroke, compounded by a history of diabetes, hypertension, and recent kidney stone diagnosis, participated in this study. The patient experienced severe functional limitations due to spasticity (grade 3 on the Modified Ashworth Scale) and scored 31 on the CAHAI-13, indicating significant hand dysfunction. DNT was applied to key forearm muscles (flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor digitorum superficialis, flexor digitorum profundus, and pronator teres), followed by TOT targeting daily tasks. Post-intervention, the patient demonstrated significant improvements: spasticity was reduced (Modified Ashworth Scale score decreased from grade 3 to grade 2), and muscle hypertonicity, as measured by EMG, was reduced in all targeted muscles. Functional hand use improved markedly, with the CAHAI-13 score increasing from 31 to 45. These improvements led to enhanced independence in daily activities. This case report highlights the clinical relevance of integrating DNT with TOT in stroke rehabilitation. The combined intervention not only reduced spasticity and improved neuromuscular function but also led to meaningful gains in hand function, enhancing the patient’s ability to perform daily activities independently. Given the promising results, this combined approach could serve as a practical and effective strategy for improving motor recovery and functional independence in post-stroke patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm these findings and explore the broader application of this approach in clinical practice.

Evaluation of the effect of dextrose prolotherapy versus deep dry needling therapy for the treatment of temporomandibular joint anterior disc displacement with reduction: (a randomized controlled trial)

Objectiveto compare the combined effect of Prolotherapy and Deep Dry Needling (DDN) versus DDN effect on relieving the symptoms of Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anterior disc displacement.Patients and methodsThe clinical trial randomly allocated forty patients. The (control group) patients received four intraarticular and masseteric DDN sessions, while the (study group) patients were subjected to the exact technique followed by Prolosolution injection. The baseline preoperative measurements included Maximal interincisal opening (MIO), auscultation of the presence of clicking, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), which were repeated for postoperative measurements after one, two, five, and eight months.ResultsBy the end of the study, all patients expressed apparent improvement in pain MIO and clicking. The inter- and intragroup comparison revealed that the pain score values of the control group after five and eight months were significantly higher than those of the study group. The study group demonstrated more significant MIO calibration than the control group, with insignificant differences between both groups regarding the presence of clicking at any time interval. The associations between clicking and VAS values, between clicking and MIO, and between VAS values and increased MIO were positive in the test group and negative in the control group.ConclusionsDextrose Prolotherapy and DDN were beneficial. However, Prolotherapy demonstrated more significant, sustained, and correlated long-term alleviation of symptoms and increased MIO.Clinical relevanceThe study assesses the sole effect of dextrose prolotherapy on relieving the signs of TMJ anterior disc displacement apart from the impact of the penetrating needle.Clinical trial registrationThe study was registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov (#: NCT05821985) by Ahmed Nagi Alghandour.

The effects of high intensity laser therapy and dry needling on clinical signs in females with upper trapezius muscle active trigger points: A single blinded randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveOne of the main contributors to musculoskeletal pain syndromes are myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), which are characterized by discomfort, tenderness, and restricted range of motion (ROM). In this study, patients with upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome had their pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and disability evaluated in relation to the effectiveness of high intensity laser therapy and dry needling. Methods32 participants with active upper trapezius myofascial trigger points were split into two groups at random: one group received high intensity laser treatment (n = 16), while the other received dry needling (n = 16). All participants got relevant intervention twice weekly throughout the three weeks of treatment sessions (5 sessions). Before and after the intervention, the cervical range of movements, disability and Pain intensity were all assessed by iPhone inclinometer & goniometer, neck disability index and visual analog scale respectively. ResultsThe visual analog scale and neck disability index significantly reduced post-intervention in both groups (P < 0.001). Moreover, the cervical range of motions significantly increased in both groups (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in pain intensity, neck disability index and the cervical range of motions between the two groups (P > 0.05). ConclusionActive myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle may be effectively treated with dry needling or high-intensity laser therapy.

Advancing musculoskeletal diagnosis and therapy: a comprehensive review of trigger point theory and muscle pain patterns.

Musculoskeletal disorders, especially chronic muscle pain, have a significant impact on public health, affecting millions worldwide. This review examines recent advancements in the diagnosis and management of myofascial pain, with a focus on the refined application of trigger point theory. This theory now incorporates an intricate model that blends biomechanical and neurophysiological mechanisms, essential for understanding the initiation and persistence of pain, and necessitating targeted therapeutic interventions. Utilizing a methodical approach, this paper categorizes muscle pain into three types: Muscle Belly Pain, Origin-Insertion Pain, and Referred Pain, as delineated in the most recent edition of "Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction-The Trigger Point Manual." Such classification enhances diagnostic precision and therapeutic effectiveness by establishing a specific treatment protocol for each type of pain. The paper discusses the implications of various treatments, such as dry needling and manual therapy, which are informed by empirically derived trigger point charts. These charts are instrumental in pinpointing the exact locations of pain sources and customizing treatment plans. Moreover, this review critically assesses the evolving nature of trigger point charts and champions a holistic approach to pain management. It underscores the necessity of integrating biomechanics, kinesiology, and compensatory mechanisms to provide a comprehensive understanding that allows practitioners to address not only symptomatic pain but also the root causes of musculoskeletal disorders, thereby enhancing long-term patient care outcomes in clinical environments.

A surge in queries: Analyzing the increased public interest in dry needling using Google trends – A cross-sectional observational study

BackgroundTo monitor public interest (PI) in information related to Dry needling (DN) therapy and examine potential temporal, seasonal, and income-related trends that may impact PI by using the relative search volume (RSV) from the Google Trends tool for the keyword "Dry Needling." MethodsFor this cross-sectional observational study, a dataset was created using the Google Trends tool from 2004 to the present in the United States (US). To examine potential income-related disparities in PI in DN across the US, RSV values were recorded in the five states with the highest and the lowest median income (Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Utah, and Washington and Mississippi, West Virginia, Arkansas, New Mexico, Kentucky, respectively). ResultsA linear regression model showed that the PI in DN increased significantly (R2 = 0,902, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the RSV values between the month of the year and the season of the year (p = 1.000 and p = 0.997, respectively). RSV values of the five highest-income and low-income states showed significant increases (R2 = 0,624, p < 0.001, and R2 = 0,477, p < 0.001, respectively). More rapid growth in interest in DN in states with high income compared to those with low income (p < 0.001). ConclusionsPI in DN treatment is increasing in both high and low-income states. States with higher incomes are more interested. DN treatment is expected to become more popular, which will lead to a rising demand for comprehensive education in medical schools and clinician training programs. In addition, there will also be a need for easily accessible, high-quality information resources.

THE EFFECT OF DRY NEEDLING THERAPY ON MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME

Background: One of the nonpharmacological management that can currently be used to treat Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) is dry needling (DN). Dry needling is a pain intervention technique by inserting a solid needle into the skin to stimulate myofascial trigger points (TrPs). In a previous study conducted at Central Hospital in Bali, DN was shown to reduce pain and oral analgetic usage in patients with upper trapezius muscle MTrPs, but the effect of DN on overall life quality (such as sleep quality and depression) is still lacking. Objective: This research was conducted to find out whether there was an improvement in pain scale, depression and quality of sleep of health employees in Sanglah Hospital who experienced myofascial pain syndrome after dry needling therapy. Methods: an observational experimental design, which compares the difference of the Numerical Pain rating score, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, and Hamilton Depression Scale before and after DN. The study used a consecutive sampling method to reach the designated sample size. Results: A total of 53 samples followed the entire series of studies. The mean difference between NPRS before DN and after DN showed a significant result of p= 0.00 (&lt;0.05), but in the aspect of PSQI and HDS no statistical difference. Conclusion: There is a trend of improvement in the quality of life after DN from pain scale, mood condition and sleep quality. However, this research still cannot show a link between DN therapy with depressive disorders and sleep quality.

Effects of Multi-modal Rehabilitation Approach in Headache-related Anxiety and Depression

Background: A comprehensive, multi-modal rehabilitation that addresses both the physical and mental health aspects of headache disorders has the potential to give more effective relief and improve patients’ overall quality of life. Further studies are required to determine the most beneficial exercise modalities and incorporate them into a comprehensive treatment strategy for headache-related anxiety and depression. Methodology: A multi-modal rehabilitation was administered for 8 weeks. Participants engaged in 45 minutes of supervised aerobic exercises three times/week. A dry needling session was performed for 30 minutes on the trigger points associated with neck pain, while massage was performed to reduce muscle tension in the head, neck and shoulder regions, lasting for 30 minutes. Results: The outcome measures assessed at baseline revealed that the pain intensity as measured using VAS was 7.3±1.3, the value of headache impact test (HIT) was 55.3±1.4 and HADS-Anxiety and Depression was 16.32±1.56 and 15.35±1.47 respectively, that was significantly reduced to 3.26±1.25 (VAS), 35.6±1.21 (HIT) and 10.32±1.52 (HAD-A) and 9.56±1.2 (HAD-D) respectively after 8 week of multi-modal rehabilitation. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrated that a multi-modal rehabilitation intervention, comprising aerobic exercises, dry needling, and massage therapy, significantly reduces headache-related pain intensity, anxiety and depression in patients with primary headache disorders. Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Exercise, Headaches.

Effectiveness of Dry Needling versus Cupping Therapy for Pain in Piriformis Syndrome

Background: Piriformis syndrome is characterized by discomfort in the buttocks and throughout the course of the sciatic nerve. Dry needling modulates pain perception, disrupts pain signaling pathways, and induces local tissue responses. Cupping therapy facilitates localized blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and tissue oxygenation to alleviate muscular tension and improve circulation. Both interventions have shown promise in improving symptoms of piriformis syndrome. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of dry needling versus cupping therapy in managing piriformis pain syndrome. Methods: This experimental study was conducted at Chaudhary Muhammad Akram Teaching and Research Hospital, Lahore, from October 2023 to May 2024. Eighty participants diagnosed with piriformis syndrome, aged between 18 and 65 years, were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group A (dry needling) and Group B (cupping therapy). Exclusion criteria included pregnancy and previous surgical interventions for piriformis syndrome. Both groups received their respective treatments three times a week for six weeks. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), disability was assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and quality of life was evaluated using a standardized questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with paired sample t-tests used for within-group comparisons and independent sample t-tests for between-group comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: In the dry needling group, the mean VAS score decreased from 6.216 ± 1.931 to 3.432 ± 0.987 (p &lt; 0.001), while the cupping therapy group saw a reduction from 6.108 ± 2.195 to 4.189 ± 1.697 (p &lt; 0.001). The mean ODI score in the dry needling group decreased from 27.432 ± 7.617 to 10.054 ± 3.036 (p &lt; 0.001), and in the cupping therapy group from 26.270 ± 7.209 to 12.918 ± 7.495 (p &lt; 0.001). Quality of life scores improved significantly in both groups, with the dry needling group showing a mean reduction from 12.702 ± 3.673 to 7.270 ± 1.627 (p &lt; 0.001), and the cupping therapy group from 13.027 ± 3.523 to 8.270 ± 1.609 (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Both dry needling and cupping therapy are effective interventions for managing piriformis pain syndrome, with dry needling showing greater improvements in pain reduction, disability reduction, and quality of life. These findings support the use of dry needling as a preferred therapeutic option for piriformis syndrome.

An evaluation of wet and dry needling techniques for treating myofascial pain in trapezius muscle – A meta-analysis

Abstract Introduction: Myofascial pain is a common sign of temporomandibular joint disorders and a significant cause of dysfunction in the general population. Although there are many ways to treat it, because of their ease of use and effectiveness in reducing pain, needling therapies, particularly those inside the masticatory muscles, have seen a recent surge in attention. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the comparison between wet and dry needling therapies in myofascial pain management. Materials and Methods: The following study was built using the PICOS and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocols. A comprehensive search of the literature utilizing the PubMed search engines with the keywords acupuncture, dry needling, wet needling, botulinum toxin, local anesthesia, and masticatory muscle problems was done. A total of 412 items were found after searching the databases. Finally, the analysis contained 21 publications that met the parameters. Results: A statistically significant (P &lt; 0.001) impact on pain reduction was seen by this meta-analysis when comparing wet versus dry needling (mean difference = 0.80, 95% confidence interval = −0.52–2.12, n¼ 7 trials). Discussion: The effectiveness of wet and dry needling in treating symptoms of neck discomfort with musculoskeletal origins related to TrPs was compared in this meta-analysis. We found strong evidence that lidocaine, a local anesthetic, used in wet needling reduced pain more effectively than dry needling. Conclusion: Evidence from this meta-analysis suggests that in individuals with trigger points (TrPs) associated with symptoms of neck discomfort, lidocaine TrP injection works better than dry needling to reduce pain.

Percutaneous tendon dry needling and thrust manipulation as an adjunct to multimodal physical therapy in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy: A multicenter randomized clinical trial

Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of adding electrical dry needling and thrust manipulation into a multimodal program of exercise, mobilization, and ultrasound in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy. Design Randomized, single-blinded, multicenter, parallel-group trial. Setting Thirteen outpatient physical therapy clinics in nine different US states. Participants One hundred and forty-three participants (n = 143) with lateral elbow tendinopathy were randomized. Intervention Cervical spine manipulation, extremity manipulation, and percutaneous tendon electrical dry needling plus multimodal physical therapy (n = 73) or multimodal physical therapy (n = 70) alone. Main measures The primary outcome was elbow pain intensity and disability as measured by the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation at baseline, 1 week, 4 weeks, and 3 months. Secondary outcomes included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Tennis Elbow Functional Scale, Global Rating of Change, and medication intake. Results The 2 × 4 analysis of covariance demonstrated that individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy receiving electrical dry needling and thrust manipulation plus multimodal physical therapy experienced significantly greater improvements in disability (Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation: F = 19.675; P < 0.001), elbow pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale: F = 22.769; P < 0.001), and function (Tennis Elbow Function Scale: F = 13.269; P < 0.001) than those receiving multimodal physical therapy alone at 3 months. The between-group effect size was large for pain and disability (Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation: standardized mean difference = 1.13; 95% confidence interval: 0.78, 1.48) in favor of the electrical dry needling and thrust manipulation group. Conclusions The inclusion of percutaneous tendon electrical dry needling and thrust manipulation into a multimodal program of exercise, mobilization and ultrasound was more effective than multimodal physical therapy alone in individuals with lateral elbow tendinopathy. Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT03167710 May 30, 2017.

Dry needling combined with exercise therapy: Effects on wrist flexors spasticity in post-stroke patients - A randomized controlled trial.

The positive contribution of dry needling (DN) in conjunction with exercise therapy for patients with stroke and spasticity remains uncertain. To examine the effects of DN combined with exercise therapy on wrist flexor spasticity and motor function in patients with stroke. Twenty-four participants with stroke were randomly assigned to either the DN and exercise therapy group or the DN alone group. Assessments were conducted at baseline, after the 4th treatment session, and 3 weeks post-treatment. A significant Group×Time interaction was observed for wrist active range of motion (ROM) (P = 0.046), favoring the DN with exercise therapy group (∼10° at baseline, ∼15° immediately after the 4th session, and 15.4° at follow-up). The improvements in spasticity, passive ROM, and H-reflex latency were sustained during follow-up. However, there were no significant between-group differences in any outcome at any measurement time point. The combined DN and exercise therapy did not exhibit superiority over DN alone concerning spasticity severity and motor function. However, it demonstrated additional advantages, particularly in improving motor neuron excitability and wrist passive extension.

Comparing Myofascial Pain Syndrome Treatment with Dry Needling Versus Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis on Pain and Function of the Heel

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dry needling (DN) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of plantar fasciitis (PF). The study included 55 patients with PF. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. The DN group applied 3 sessions of DN to the myofascial trigger points in the lower limb muscles. The ESWT group applied 3 sessions of ESWT to the plantar fascia. For clinical evaluation, we used a visual analog scale (VAS) (first step, rest, activity) and Foot Function Index (FFI) (pain, disability, activity). Assessments were done baseline, post-treatment first week, and fourth week. Maximum pain-free standing time (Max PfST) and maximum pain-free walking distance (Max PfWD) were recorded at baseline and post-treatment fourth week. In this study, we found significant improvement in VAS, FFI, Max PfST, and Max PfWD in both groups (p<0.01). VAS-activity baseline-forth week change was significantly superior in the DN group compared to the ESWT group (p=0.023). FFI-disability baseline-fourth week change was significantly superior in the DN group compared to the ESWT group (p=0.048). There was no significant difference in other treatment-related changes between the groups (p>0.05). However, VAS-rest baseline-fourth week change and FFI-pain baseline-fourth week change trended towards statistical significance between groups ((p=0.056), (p=0.052) respectively). This study showed that DN may be a good alternative treatment for patients with PF, with effects similar to or even superior to ESWT.

Is adding dry needling to a standard care protocol beneficial in patients with chronic neck pain? A randomized placebo-controlled trial

PurposeTo evaluate the short-term effects of adding a dry needling therapy to a standard care protocol based on education, exercise and electrotherapy, compared to a sham procedure and to a standard care protocol in isolation in patients with chronic neck pain. Material and methodsA randomized placebo-controlled trial was performed. The participants in the dry needling group received a standard care protocol based on patient education, therapeutic exercise and electrotherapy, as well as two sessions of dry needling in the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and/or sternocleidomastoid muscles. The participants in the sham dry needling group received the same standard care protocol and two sessions of sham dry needling. The participants in the control group received the same standard care protocol. The outcomes measured were pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, neck disability, range of movement, activation of deep cervical flexor muscles, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression. ResultsNo significant group by time interactions were found for any of the outcome variables except for lower cervical spine range of movement (F = 3.79; p = 0.030). ConclusionThe addition of two sessions of dry needling in the superficial neck muscles to a standard protocol did not yield superior results compared to either the standard care alone or the standard care plus sham dry needling in patients with chronic neck pain in any outcome except for cervical range of movement.

Effects of dry needling on pain, range of motion and function in patients with upper cross syndrome

Background: In upper cross syndrome, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sub occipital, sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis major and minor become tight. Whereas, the phasic muscle including lower and middle trapezius, deep neck flexor and serratus anterior muscle weaken. Objectives: To determine the effects of dry needling on pain, range of motion and function in upper cross syndrome. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted at Sheikh Zaid Hospital Rahim yar khan. Ethical approval REC/RCRS/20/1049 was obtained from Riphah International University Lahore. Group A was treated with dry needling along with conventional therapy and group B was treated with conventional therapy and 34 subjects were allocated in both groups. The duration of study was of 2 weeks with 1 session per week. The pre and post intervention scores were taken for Visual analogue scale, Neck disability index and neck range of motion. The data was analyzed using SPSS 25. Results: There was no significant difference (p&lt;0.05) between groups based on demographic data at baseline. The BMI in group A was 24.38(1.14) and in group B 23.19(2.59). The mean difference of VAS in group A was 2.89(1.68) with CI [1.98, 3.76] (p&lt;0.05) and in group B was 2.87(1.03) with CI [2.33,3.42] (p&lt;0.05). The mean difference for NDI in group A was 21.25(10.85) with CI [15.46, 27.03] (p&lt;0.05) and in Group B was 14.68(8.42) with CI [10.20,19.17] (p&lt;0.05). In VAS and NDI between group analysis did not show significant result (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Dry needling along with conventional therapy only improves range of motion but in term of pain and functionality, dry needling and conventional therapy are equally effective. Clinical Trial Number: NCT04674904

Effect of Dry Needling in Patient with Cervical Radiculopathy in Reducing Pain and Increasing Rom Compared to Interferential Therapy

Background: This study was designed to inspect the effectiveness of Dry needling and interferential therapy oncervical radiculopathy patients.Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of dry needling and interferential therapy in patients with cervicalradiculopathy.Materials and methods: It is an experimental study from November 2022 to April 2023. In this study, 30 subjectswere allocated randomly using a randomization method (computer-generated random numbers) according toinclusion and exclusion criteria. Group A was allocated for interferential therapy with neck exercise (n=15) andGroup B was allocated for dry needling with neck exercise (n =15). Outcome measures are NPRS (Numerical painrating scale), Goniometer. Informed consent was obtained from the patient.Result: From the statistical analysis, both groups showed extremely satisfied statistical significance between theirpre- and post-test values (p&lt;0.0001) Also, there is a significant difference in the post-test values of both groups(p&lt;0.0001) which denotes that dry needling therapy with neck exercises values are higher than the IFT with neckexercises values for reducing pain and increasing ROM of cervical joint for cervical radiculopathy.Conclusion: In this study, Dry needling with Neck exercise activities was found to be more beneficial than IFTwith neck exercise in reducing cervical pain and increasing ROM.

Efficacy of Dry Needling Therapy Versus IASTM on Myofascial Trigger Point in Patient with Neck Pain

Background: The background of the study is soft tissue mobilization and dry needling among neck pain subjects,which indirectly affect functional activity and pressure threshold for pain over the neck area.Purpose: To evaluate the effects of IASTM and dry needling therapy on myofascial trigger points in individualswith neck pain. And assess the effect of pain and functional outcomes by pressure algometer and NDI.Methods: Thirty participants were randomly assigned to the two groups the dry needling therapy (DNT)Group and Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) Group. The pretest measures of pressure painthreshold and functional activity of the neck were assessed by the pressure algometer and the neck disabilityindex, respectively. The intervention DNT Group received dry-needling therapy, whereas the intervention IASTMGroup received IASTM for a duration of 4 weeks. The same tests were measured after 4 weeks of treatment aspost-test values.Result: A substantial difference between the NDT group and the IASTM group was also discovered (p = 0.001).The study showed that dry needling significantly impacts pressure pain threshold and functional activity in neckpain participants. Conclusion: The dry needling therapy effectively improved functional activity and reducedpressure and pain thresholds.&#x0D; Conclusion: Dry needling therapy has emerged as an effective therapeutic option for treating trigger points in theneck and relieving pain associated with them.

Effect of Dry Needling in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis in Reducing Pain Compared to Ultrasound Therapy

Background: Pain and discomfort below the medial calcaneal tubercle especially in the weight-bearing areas arethe hallmarks of plantar fasciitis heel pain. It affects about 10% of people in the general population and affectsabout 83% of active working individuals between the ages of 25 and 65.Purpose: To determine the effect of dry needling therapy on subjects with Plantar fasciitis in reducing pain andincreasing Ankle Range Of Motion (ROM) when compared to Ultrasound therapy with ankle exercises.Materials and Methods: The subjects were selected according to selection criteria. All the subjects were assessedusing Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Ankle ROM. A sample of 50 (45 females and 5 males) was taken forthe study which was further divided into two groups where the experimental group received Dry needling therapywith ankle exercises (n=25) and the control group received Ultrasound therapy with ankle exercises (n=25). Theintervention was given for two weeks. The entire process was performed from November 2022 to April 2023.Result: Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference obtained within the groups of pre andpost-test for NPRS and ROM (p&lt;0.0001). A significant difference was obtained between the experimental andcontrol groups for NPRS and ROM (p&lt;0.0001).Conclusion: Dry needling therapy with ankle exercises was more beneficial in reducing pain than ultrasoundtherapy with ankle exercises in Plantar fasciitis subjects.

Effectiveness of Dry Needling on Lateral Epicondylitis Patient Compared to Ultrasound Therapy

Background: The goal of study is to assess the effectiveness of dry needling and ultrasound therapy on lateralepicondylitis patients.Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of dry needling on lateral epicondylitis patients compared to ultrasoundtherapy.Materials and Methods: Ninety subjects with lateral epicondylitis (both male and female) divided in two groups.Group “A” acquired dry needling two days a week for a period of two weeks and Group “B” acquired ultrasoundtherapy four days a week for a period of two weeks. Visual Analogue Scale, Patient-rated tennis elbow evaluationwere used to assess patients in before and after treatment. Study period: November 2022 to April 2023.Result: Based on data analysis both visual analogue scale and patient rated tennis elbow evaluation values in eachgroup are significantly different in before and after treatment having p&lt;0.0001 for each group. In Group analysisis highly significant with p&lt;0.0001 for VAS, p&lt;0.0001 for PRTEE dry needling is greater in lowering discomfortand increasing mobility.Conclusion: Dry needling is more effective than ultrasound therapy in lateral epicondylitis.