The Efficiency of Dry Needling and Cold Spray-stretching Treatments

Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital

Status: Completed

Conditions: Myofascial Pain Syndromes; Myofascial Trigger Point Pain

Treatments: Other: cold spray and stretching; Other: dry needling

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05664165

HNEAH-KAEK 2019/38

Details and patient eligibility

About

A prospective randomized single-blind study included 60 patients aged 18-65 years who have MPS with active triger points in the upper trapezius muscle. Patients were randomized into two treatment groups as dry needling (DN) and cold spray-stretching. Both treatment groups received 1 treatment per week and totally 3 sessions. Evaluation parameters were pain level assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) and algometer, neck range of motion angles, functional level assessed by neck disability index (NDI). The effects of the treatments on active trigger points were evaluated by sEMG and US histogram. All parameters were evaluated at the beginning of the treatment and after 3 sessions of treatment. Algometer and sEMG were performed also before and after the 1st and 3rd sessions.

Full description

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of dry needling and cold spray stretching treatments using surface electromyography (sEMG) and ultrasound (US) in the treatment of patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) with active trigger point (TrP) in the upper trapezius muscle.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective randomized single-blind study included 60 patients aged 18-65 years who have MPS with ATP in the upper trapezius muscle. Patients were randomized into two treatment groups as dry needling (DN) and cold spray-stretching. Both treatment groups received 1 treatment per week and totally 3 sessions. Evaluation parameters were pain level assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) and algometer, neck range of motion angles, functional level assessed by neck disability index (NDI). The effects of the treatments on aTP were evaluated by sEMG and US histogram. All parameters were evaluated at the beginning of the treatment and after 3 sessions of treatment. Algometer and sEMG were performed also before and after the 1st and 3rd sessions.

Enrollment: 60 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• neck and / or back pain for at least 3 months,
• pain level> 3 in VAS measurement
• presence of active trigger point in upper trapezius muscle

Exclusion criteria

• cervical radiculopathy
• history of neck and / or shoulder surgery
• dry needling treatment in the neck and / or shoulder area in the last 1 month
• coagulation disorder and / or use of anticoagulant therapy
• migraine or dementia
• pacemaker
• needle phobia
• allergies to the substances in the coolant spray to be used

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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60 participants in 2 patient groups

Dry needling

Experimental group

Description:

It was performed using a deep dry needling technique using 0.25x25 mm disposable sterile steel acupuncture needles (HuaLong, China) while patient was in prone position. The needle inserted in the trigger point and stimulation was performed by manipulating it up and down several times. The needle was kept in the trigger point for 1-3 minutes and removed after the muscle spasm regressed . One session per week, a total of 3 sessions were applied.

Treatment:

Other: dry needling

Cold spray and stretching

Experimental group

Description:

The patient was placed on the chair with the head and body upright in the most comfortable position possible and voluntary relaxation was achieved. One end of the muscle was fixed in order to apply passive stretching. The cooler spray (in its content; 0.06% menthol, 2.06% isopropyl alcohol, 2% isopropyl alcohol) was sprayed to the surface at an angle of 30° from a distance of approximately 30-50 cm, while passive stretching was applied. One session per week, a total of 3 sessions were applied

Treatment:

Other: cold spray and stretching