Efficacy of Dry Needling Vs. Trigger-Point Physiotherapy for Chronic Myofascial Pain: Randomized Trial Protocol

Abstract

Chronic myofascial pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder that frequently needs focused therapeutic approaches to be effectively managed.  This study used a randomized controlled trial design to examine the effectiveness of trigger-point physiotherapy and dry needling for those with upper trapezius myofascial pain.  Forty participants completed a 4-week treatment procedure and were divided into two groups: one for trigger-point therapy and the other for dry needling.  Functional disability, pressure pain threshold, and pain severity were among the outcome measures.  Both groups improved significantly, but the dry needling group showed bigger increases in pressure pain threshold and larger decreases in pain and impairment.  According to the results, dry needling offers greater clinical advantages than manual trigger-point therapy and is a more successful method for treating persistent myofascial pain.