Ultrasound-guided Dry Needling Research Articles

274 - Comparative Study of Ultrasound-Guided Dry Needling vs. Exercise Intervention for Managing Pelvic Pain and Improving Bladder Neck Motility in Myofascial Pelvic Pain Syndrome: A Prospective Cohort Study

274 - Comparative Study of Ultrasound-Guided Dry Needling vs. Exercise Intervention for Managing Pelvic Pain and Improving Bladder Neck Motility in Myofascial Pelvic Pain Syndrome: A Prospective Cohort Study

Immediate Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Dry Needling on Soleus Muscle Spasticity in Stroke Survivors.

Dry needling (DN) is commonly used to treat various neuromuscular syndromes. It is effective in reducing spasticity in stroke and other neurological conditions. The current study explores the immediate effect of ultrasound-guided dry needling on soleus muscle spasticity and thickness in individuals with stroke. Approval was obtained from the Institutional Sub-ethics Committee of Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Pune.The trial was registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of India. Thirty stroke survivors having soleus muscle spasticity ranging from grade 1 to 4 on the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) were selected. Spasticity was also assessed using the Modified Tardeau Scale (MTS) and H-reflex. Soleus muscle architecture was assessed by using ultrasonography (USG). Participants received a single session of DN for the spastic soleus muscle. Pre and immediate post-DN outcome measures were assessed. Based on USG findings, the thickness of the soleus muscle significantly increased by 2.67 mm (p<0.001) after dry needling treatment. The MMAS showed decreased spasticity by 1.47 (p<0.001) for ankle plantar flexors. A significant reduction of H-reflex values by 1.4 mV (p<0.001) was noted. The MTS also showed a significant increase in the range of ankle motion by 2.7 (p<0.001). All these indicate an immediate reduction of spasticity following DN. Based on the findings of the current study, we can conclude that a single session of USG-guided DN has an immediate beneficial effect on reducing soleus muscle spasticity and increased muscle thickness in individuals with stroke.

Ultrasound-guided dry needling for chronic low back pain: A case report targeting the quadratus lumborum muscle.

Ultrasound-guided dry needling for chronic low back pain: A case report targeting the quadratus lumborum muscle.

Letter to the Editor: Ultrasound-Guided Dry Needling: A Regenerative Treatment for Lateral Epicondylitis.

Letter to the Editor: Ultrasound-Guided Dry Needling: A Regenerative Treatment for Lateral Epicondylitis.

Relief for Long-standing Postchikungunya Viral Myalgic and Arthralgic Pains Effected by Neuromodulation of Ultrasound-Guided Dry Needling of Affected Muscles and Steroid-Based Interventions

Abstract Chronic myalgias and arthralgias occur after Chikungunya virus infections (pCHIKV- M&amp;A). We report details of treating a 6-years lasting CHIKV-M&amp;A pains with a combination of medications and interventions. The patient had severe pain in bilateral shoulders and elbows; right thumb and back. Response to steroids, sulphasalazine and methotrexate was poor. Examination revealed M&amp;A pains. Medications initiated included Pregabalin, Paracetamol, Tramadol and vitamin D. At two weeks, despite improvement, there were residual pains in bilateral shoulders and elbows. Four weekly sessions (two on each side), of ultrasound-guided dry needling (USGDN) of all muscles of the upper limb was done. Patient reassessment revealed moderate, residual pains at bilateral supraspinatus muscles, bicipital tendons and radio-humeral joints. These pains were addressed by USG guided steroid injection of bilateral- suprascapular nerves, bicipital tendons and radio-humeral joints. Medications reduced pains especially of back and thumb. USGDN of muscles further reduced it by 60%. The interventions at the nerves, entheses and joints gave 90%-100% relief. The pre-intervention Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score of 52.7 reduced to 5.4. At fifth month follow-up, the DASH was15.8, but patient reported satisfaction over pain relief, improvement in daily activities and quality-of-life. There are no evidence-based treatment guidelines or corroborative evidence for rheumatic pathology (most times) for persistent CHIKV-M&amp;A pains. This case-report highlights the successful management of CHIKV-M&amp;A pains by multi-modal approach. USGDN and steroids have neuro-modulatory effects. We have proposed that USGDN aids pain relief by an integrative role with the biologically inherent “chaos theory.”

YouTube as a source of information and education on ultrasound- guided dry needling.

This study aims to evaluate the educational quality of videos related to ultrasound guided dry needling (USDN).Material and method: This study was designed as a cross-sectional study. A video-based search was performed on the YouTube online video sharing platform (https://www.youtube.com/) using the English keywords "ultrasound guided dry needling"on May 10, 2023. The first 60 videos were analysed. The first 60 videos were analyzed, and 32 videos that met theinclusion criteria were included in the study. The content of the videos mostly consisted of technical knowledge regardingUltrasound Guided Dry Needling (USGDN) (56.3%) and information (43.84%). The total mean DISCERN score was 26.9 ± 12.0 (range 17 to 54). The total mean JAMA Score was 2.4 ± 0.7 (range 2 to 4). There was no significant differences betweenthe groups, according to the DISCERN, and JAMAs scores (all p>0.05). The video with the highest DISCERN score belongedto The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) channel. There is a significant amount of contentavailable on YouTube regarding USDN; however, unfortunately, most of the existing content is of low quality and carries therisk of misinformation. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the importance of health-related information on YouTubeand strive to provide high-quality, accurate, and up-to-date content.

Safety Considerations When Dry Needling the Multifidi in the Thoracolumbar Region: A Cadaveric Study.

Dry needling the lumbar multifidi is a technique used by physical therapists to effectively treat low back pain. While studies have examined the safety considerations in the upper lumbar spine related to the kidneys and lungs, none have investigated the possibility of entering the spinal canal in this region. The purpose of this cadaveric ultrasound-guided dry needling exploration was to determine if a dry needle can penetrate the ligamentum flavum at the T12/L1 interspace and enter the spinal canal using a paramedian approach in a fresh-frozen, lightly fixed cadaver in the prone position. Cadaveric study. The procedure was performed on a cadaver in the prone position. The needle was advanced under ultrasound guidance to determine if a 0.30 x 50 mm dry needle inserted 1.0 cm lateral to the spinous process of T12 and directed medially at a 22-degree angle could penetrate the ligamentum flavum and enter the spinal canal. As determined via ultrasound, a dry needle can penetrate the ligamentum flavum and enter the spinal canal at the thoracolumbar junction using this technique. This interprofessional collaboration demonstrates that a dry needle can penetrate the ligamentum flavum to enter the spinal canal at T12/L1 using a documented technique for dry needling the multifidus. A thorough understanding of human anatomy along with the incorporation of available technology, such as ultrasound, may decrease the risk of adverse events when dry needling the multifidi at the thoracolumbar junction. Level IV.

Ultrasound-guided dry needling effects on the architecture of multifidus muscles in the lumbar region: A prospective study

Ultrasound-guided dry needling effects on the architecture of multifidus muscles in the lumbar region: A prospective study

Ultrasound-guided dry needling for combat nerve injuries and neuropathic pain: A case series

Ultrasound-guided dry needling for combat nerve injuries and neuropathic pain: A case series

Multimodal Treatment With Pulsed Radio-Frequency (PRF), Botulinum Toxin (BTX-A), Ultrasound Guided Dry Needling (USGDN) for Multifaceted Cervicogenic Headache - A Neuro-Myopathic Disorder

Multimodal Treatment With Pulsed Radio-Frequency (PRF), Botulinum Toxin (BTX-A), Ultrasound Guided Dry Needling (USGDN) for Multifaceted Cervicogenic Headache - A Neuro-Myopathic Disorder

Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia (TGN) Using Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF) Treatment of Terminal Branches of Trigeminal Nerve Followed by Ultrasound Guided Dry Needling (USGDN)

Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia (TGN) Using Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF) Treatment of Terminal Branches of Trigeminal Nerve Followed by Ultrasound Guided Dry Needling (USGDN)

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Effectiveness of ultrasound guided dry needling in management of jumper’s knee: a randomized controlled trial

Jumper’s knee is highly prevalent condition in athletes. Very limited evidence is available on clinical effects of tendon dry needling. Therefore, the objective of this study is to compare the effects of ultrasound-guided dry needling (UG-DN) combined with conventional physical therapy and conventional physical therapy alone in patients with jumper’s knee. A total of 96 patients with pre-diagnosed jumper’s knee were randomly assigned to experimental group (UG-DN + CPT) and conventional group (CPT alone) with 48 participants each. Pain intensity and functional disability were recorded using visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Patellar Tendinopathy (VISA-P) questionnaire, Lysholm Scale, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) respectively at baseline, at 1st, 2nd, and 4th week. Whereas ultrasonographic features of patellar tendon were measured through musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) at baseline and 4th week. Total 8 sessions of treatment were provided. Mann Whitney U test and Friedman test were used to compute between and within group differences respectively. P value was significant at 0.05. Results showed that patients in both groups had improvement in signs of jumper’s knee but the improvement in UG-DN + CPT group was more significant (p ≤ 0.05). Significant difference was seen after 4 weeks of intervention in UG-DN + CPT group in VAS (Median ± I.Q.R = 3 ± 1, p = 0.000), VISA-P (Median ± I.Q.R = 83.5 ± 7, p = 0.000), KOOS (Median ± I.Q.R = 83.5 ± 8, p = 0.000), , Lysholm (Median ± I.Q.R = 84 ± 5, p = 0.000) than CPT group VAS (Median ± I.Q.R = 1.5 ± 1, p = 0.000), VISA-P (Median ± I.Q.R = 92 ± 2, p = 0.000), KOOS (Median ± I.Q.R = 92 ± 3, p = 0.000), Lysholm (Median ± I.Q.R = 92 ± 4, p = 0.000) and ultrasonographic features of jumper’s knee were more significant in experimental group(p-value ≤ 0.05). The Ultrasound guided dry needling with conventional physical therapy of patellar tendon had been found an effective treatment for jumper’s knee and helps in reducing pain intensity, improving function and ultrasonographic features in patients with jumper’s knee. UG-DN + CPT group showed more significant results as compared to CPT.Trial registration: (IRCT20210409050913N1). Dated: 17.04.2021.

Ultrasound-guided dry needling of masticatory muscles in trigeminal neuralgia - A case series of 35 patients.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TGN) is considered a sensory neuropathy. However, reports of pain on chewing/speaking suggest a masticatory myofascial involvement. To examine the effect of ultrasound-guided dry needling (USGDN), which deactivates myofascial trigger points in masticatory, neck, and facial muscles on TGN symptoms. Charts of 35 patients treated for TGN were retrospectively reviewed. Treatment was USGDN alone or combined with trigeminal ganglion/mandibular nerve pulsed radiofrequency (PRF), followed by yoga mudras to stretch masticatory and facial muscles. Patients were followed for 1-8 years. Outcome parameters were reduction of medications with reduction in neuralgic attack frequency and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score. 23 patients (65.7%) received USGDN alone, 12 patients (34.3%) received PRF treatment before USGDN. A significant reduction in the mean (SD) NRS (5.7 [1.2] vs 8.8 [1.6]; P < .001) and neuralgic attack frequency (47 [27] vs 118 [70] attacks/day; P < .001) was seen after PRF compared with baseline, respectively. Following USGDN, the mean (SD) NRS further decreased significantly to 1.0 (0.9) (P < .001). USGDN alone produced a similar improvement in the NRS (8.9 [1.5] at baseline reduced to 0.6 [0.7] post-USGDN; P < .001). Patients in both groups reported a cessation in neuralgic attacks after USGDN. Post-USGDN, 18/27 patients completely discontinued medication, with the mean (SD) carbamazepine dose significantly reducing from 716.7 (260.9) mg/day at baseline to 113.0 (250.2) mg/day post-USGDN (P < .001). Decisive relief of TGN by USGDN suggests neuromyalgia involving masticatory muscles. Prospective, controlled studies could confirm these findings.

Efficacy of ultrasound guided dry needling as an adjunct to conventional physical therapy for patients with jumper's knee: A randomized controlled trial.

Jumper's knee is a degenerative condition among athletes, and it has been treated with conventional physical therapy (CPT). Ultrasound guided dry needling (USG-DN) is a relatively new technique to explore clinical outcomes in patients with tendinopathy. This parallel group, single-blinded randomized controlled trial was carried out involving 94 athletes with clinically diagnosed jumper's knee, divided into an intervention group (USG-DN + CPT, n = 47) and a control group (CPT, n = 47). Participants received a 4-week programme; the intervention group received ultrasound guided patellar tendon dry needling (DN) in conjunction with CPT. The control group received only CPT. The visual analog scale (VAS), Victorian institute of sports assessment-Patellar tendinopathy (VISA-P) questionnaire, Lysholm scale, Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and ultrasonographic features of patellar tendinopathy were evaluated at baseline,1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. The data were analyzed through SPSS-26. The study found statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) regarding VAS, Lysholm, VISA-P, and KOOS scales at baseline, 1st, 2nd, and 4th week post-intervention. Within-group differences also showed statistically significant results after the intervention. There were significant results observed in ultrasonographic outcomes between both groups at 1 month post-intervention (all P < 0.05). The results of the current study suggest, ultrasound guided DN of patellar tendon in combination with CPT reduced pain, improved function, and showed a tendency to decrease tendon thickness in patients with patellar tendinopathy. (IRCT20210409050913N1). Dated: 17.04.2021. https://www.irct.ir/user/trial/55607/view.

Reversal of Quadriplegia with Ultrasound-guided Dry Needling of Muscles Affected by Critical Illness Polyneuromyopathy/Neuropathy

Reversal of Quadriplegia with Ultrasound-guided Dry Needling of Muscles Affected by Critical Illness Polyneuromyopathy/Neuropathy

Ultrasound-guided dry needling versus traditional dry needling for patients with knee osteoarthritis: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

ObjectiveTo compare the effect of ultrasound (US)-guided dry needling (DN) with traditional DN in the treatment of pain and dysfunction for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).DesignA double-blind, randomized controlled trial.MethodsPatients (25 male and 65 female), age 50–80 years diagnosed with KOA were recruited and randomly assigned to one of three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio for intervention: real US-guided DN with exercise therapy (G1), placebo US-guided DN with exercise therapy (G2), and exercise therapy solely (G3). G1 and G2 were blinded to the application of real or placebo US guidance by turning the monitor of US imaging out-of-view from participants’ vantage points. The effectiveness of blinding was evaluated by asking the participants whether they had received real-US guided DN. The responses were assessed by Chi-square test. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Knee injury, and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales (KOOS-pain, KOOS-symptoms, KOOS-quality-of-life (QoL)) were collected at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks by a blinded assessor. Data were analyzed by mixed model analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni correction.ResultsEighty-four participants (61.26±5.57 years) completed the study. G1 achieved significant improvement in VAS at 8 weeks compared to G2 and G3 (G1 vs. G2: MD = -15.61, 95% CI [-25.49, -5.51], p = 0.001; G1 vs. G3: MD = -19.90, 95% CI [-29.71, -10.08], p< 0.001). G1 achieved significant improvement in KOOS-pain at 8 weeks compared to G2 and G3 (G1 vs. G2: MD = 9.76, 95% CI [2.38, 17.14], p = 0.006; G1 vs. G3: MD = 9.48, 95% CI [2.31, 16.66], p = 0.010). KOOS-symptoms and KOOS-QoL were not statistically significant between groups. G2 had no significant difference of the perceptions as G1 with p = 0.128. G2 were successfully blinded to placebo US-guided DN.ConclusionUS-guided DN with exercise therapy may be more effective than traditional DN with exercise therapy or exercise therapy alone in reduce pain of KOA.

Effect of Dry Needling Treatment on Tibial Musculature in Combination with Neurorehabilitation Treatment in Stroke Patients: Randomized Clinical Study.

(1) Background: Introducing ultrasound-guided dry needling to neurorehabilitation treatments increases the beneficial effects of therapy. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of including an ultrasound-guided dry needling session in neurorehabilitation treatment on spasticity and gait–balance quality versus neurorehabilitation treatment in subjects who had suffered a stroke. (2) Methods: A single-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted. Thirty-six patients who had suffered a stroke in the right middle cerebral artery signed the informed consent for participation in the study. Twenty patients finally participated and were randomly assigned to the control group (neurorehabilitation treatment) or experimental group (neurorehabilitation treatment plus ultrasound-guided dry needling). Pre-treatment and post-treatment data were collected on the same day. The experimental group (n = 10) first underwent an ultrasound-guided dry needling intervention on the tibialis anterior and tibialis posterior musculature, followed by neurorehabilitation treatment; the control group (n = 10) underwent their corresponding neurorehabilitation without the invasive technique. Pre-treatment and post-treatment measurements were taken on the same day, assessing the quality of balance–gait using the “Up and Go” test and the degree of spasticity using the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale. (3) Results: The patients who received neurorehabilitation treatment plus ultrasound-guided dry needling showed a greater decrease in spasticity in the tibial musculature after the neurorehabilitation treatment session (p < 0.001), improving balance and gait (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: An ultrasound-guided dry needling session combined with neurorehabilitation treatment reduced spasticity and improved balance and gait in stroke patients.

Ultrasound-Guided Dry Needling for Trigger Point Inactivation in the Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia Mixed with Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Prospective and Controlled Clinical Study.

Objective To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ultrasound-guided dry needling for trigger point inactivation in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) mixed with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). Methods A prospective and controlled clinical study was conducted. From January 2020 to December 2020, among the 100 patients who received PHN treatment in the pain department, 54 patients complicated with MPS were randomly divided into the dry needling group D (n = 28) and pharmacotherapeutic group P (n = 26). Visual analogue score (VAS) and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) were taken as primary indicators. Ultrasound-guided inactivation of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) with dry needling and intradermal needling combined with press needling were applied on group D and pharmacotherapeutic only treatment on group P respectively. The VAS score <3 and/or the MPQ score <2 represents effective treatment. The VAS score >3 and/or the MPQ score >2 represents recurrent in follow-up study three months after the treatment. Results After four weeks treatment, the effective rate of one month later of the group D was 92.9% and the effective rate of group P was 38.5%, respectively. The recurrent rate of group D was 7.1% and 34.6% for group P, respectively, for follow-up three months later. The satisfactory rate of group D was higher than that of group P. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided dry needling and intradermal needling combined with press needling were more effective than only pharmacotherapeutic treatment for PHN mixed with MPS, with lower recurrent rate and higher patient's satisfactory rate.

Effectiveness of ultrasound-guided dry needling in physiotherapy management of knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, double-blinded and controlled study

Effectiveness of ultrasound-guided dry needling in physiotherapy management of knee osteoarthritis: A randomized, double-blinded and controlled study

Dry Needling of the Medial Gastrocnemius as Novel Treatment for Type-VI Functional Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome is rare, commonly overlooked, and characterized by the compression of the popliteal artery via the surrounding myofascial structures. Presented is a 28-year-old active-duty male service member with unilateral exertional left lower extremity pain, paresthesia, and discoloration. Popliteal musculoskeletal and Doppler ultrasound showed normal anatomy with functional compression of the popliteal artery by the medial head of the gastrocnemius. This is the first case in current literature to report ultrasound-guided dry needling to the medial head of the gastrocnemius as novel treatment for functional popliteal artery entrapment syndrome.