COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF DRY NEEDLING AND MYOFASCIAL RELEASE TECHNIQUE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH ACTIVE UPPER TRAPEZIUS TRIGGER POINTS TO IMPROVE PAIN, FUNCTIONAL STATUS AND RANGE OF MOTION

Abstract

Background:

 Patients with active upper trapezius trigger points (most common complaint) may present with pain and decreased function. Many interventions are used to release trigger points, but the best is yet to be found.

Objective:

To compare the long-term effects of dry needling and myofascial release to relieve pain and improve ROM and functional status in active upper trapezius trigger point patients.

Methodology:

After approval of the synopsis, IRB No.895/RC/KEMU, research was conducted with 84 Patients who fulfilled the selection criteria were allocated into two group via the lottery method. Group A(42) received dry needling while Group B(42) received myofascial release for 2 weeks. The outcome tools for assessment were NPRS Scale, Goniometer and NDI questionnaire. Data was analyzed by SPSS-23, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test of normality, Man-Whitney U test, Friedman test and Wilcoxan-signed rank test.

Results:

Statistically, both techniques were equally effective in terms of reducing pain, improving functional status and cervical ROMs (p<0.05). The result showed that the Group 1’s NPRS was 1(0,2), 8(4,9) NDI and 70(65,71.25) Cervical Flexion, 60(55,60) Extension, right side bending 25(25,30), left side bending 25(25,30), right rotation 60(58.75,65) and left rotation was 60(55,65) while the group 2’s NPRS was 1(0,1), 7.5(4,9) NDI, 70(70,75) Cervical Flexion, 60(55,65) Extension, 30(25,35) right side bending, 30(28.75,35) left side bending, 62.5(60,66.25) right rotation and left rotation  was 62.5(60,65 ).

Conclusion:

There was no significant difference between groups as p>0.05, but based on the median values, Group 2 was more effective in improving pain, ROM and functional status.