EFFECTIVENESS OF DRY NEEDLING IN THE MANAGEMENT OF UPPER TRAPEZIUS TRIGGER POINTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Dry needling is relatively new invasive technique, which could be used for the management of myofascial trigger points. Dry needling is considered as one of the effective treatment techniques for reducing pain as it enhances pain threshold levels related to myofascial trigger points. This research aims to assess evidence for dry needling effects and its general feasibility in reducing pain, increasing pain threshold and increasing ROM of cervical spine.

Material & Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Relevant searches were performed through PubMed and PEDro databases. Eligible quasi-experimental and randomized controlled trials using different Mesh terms related to upper trapezius trigger points and dry needling intervention were used. Three main outcome parameters (pain, pain pressure threshold and ROM) were assessed on short-, medium- and long-term effects.  Quality of the included studies was assessed while using PEDro scale.

Results: Initial searches produced 41 relevant articles which were reduced to 11 articles after screening. The included studies provided evidence regarding effectiveness of dry needling for decreasing pain and increasing pressure threshold compared to sham /kinesio-taping/manual pressure or no intervention. Improvement in ROM by dry needling remained ineffective in the included trials.

Conclusion: The evidence of moderate quality suggested that dry needling performed by physiotherapist are effective compared to other techniques in patients of upper trapezius points to decreasing pain and increasing pain pressure threshold. Studies with relatively with low quality suggested effectiveness of range of motion in the patients with upper trapezius trigger points.