Electrical dry needling as an adjunct to exercise, manual therapy and ultrasound for plantar fasciitis: A multi-center randomized clinical trial

The Effect of Combining Spinal Manipulation and Dry Needling in Individuals With Nonspecific Low Back Pain

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common and costly musculoskeletal conditions impacting health care in the United States. The development of multimodal strategies of treatment is imperative in order to curb the growing incidence and prevalence of LBP. Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), dry needling (DN), and exercise are common nonpharmacological treatments for LBP. This study is a 3-armed parallel-group design randomized clinical trial. We enrolled and randomized 96 participants with LBP into a multimodal strategy of treatment consisting of a combination of DN and SMT, DN only, and SMT only, followed by an at-home exercise program. All participants received 4 treatment sessions in the first 2 weeks followed by a 2-week home exercise program. Outcomes included clinical (Oswestry Disability Index, numeric pain intensity rating) and mechanistic (lumbar multifidus, erector spinae, and gluteus medius muscle activation) measures at baseline, 2, and 4 weeks. Participants in the DN and SMT groups showed larger effects and statistically significant improvement in pain and disability scores, and muscle percent thickness change at 2 weeks and 4 weeks of treatment when compared to the other groups. This study was registered prior to participant enrollment. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents the process of developing an optimized multimodal treatment plan utilizing SMT, DN, and exercise to address the burden of LBP for impacted individuals and the health care system. This method could potentially help clinicians who treat LBP to lower initial pain and increase exercise compliance. (clinicaltrials.gov NCT05802901).

Comparing Myofascial Pain Syndrome Treatment with Dry Needling Versus Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis on Pain and Function of the Heel

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of dry needling (DN) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of plantar fasciitis (PF). The study included 55 patients with PF. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. The DN group applied 3 sessions of DN to the myofascial trigger points in the lower limb muscles. The ESWT group applied 3 sessions of ESWT to the plantar fascia. For clinical evaluation, we used a visual analog scale (VAS) (first step, rest, activity) and Foot Function Index (FFI) (pain, disability, activity). Assessments were done baseline, post-treatment first week, and fourth week. Maximum pain-free standing time (Max PfST) and maximum pain-free walking distance (Max PfWD) were recorded at baseline and post-treatment fourth week. In this study, we found significant improvement in VAS, FFI, Max PfST, and Max PfWD in both groups (p < .01). VAS-activity baseline-forth week change was significantly superior in the DN group compared to the ESWT group (p = .023). FFI-disability baseline-fourth week change was significantly superior in the DN group compared to the ESWT group (p = .048). There was no significant difference in other treatment-related changes between the groups (p > .05). However, VAS-rest baseline-fourth week change and FFI-pain baseline-fourth week change trended towards statistical significance between groups ((p = .056), (p = .052) respectively). This study showed that DN may be a good alternative treatment for patients with PF, with effects similar to or even superior to ESWT.

Dry needling in the management of chronic tension-type headache associated with levator scapulae syndrome: A case report

Key Clinical Message

The use of DN to the muscular trigger points and distal periosteal enthesis of the levator scapulae may be a useful adjunct intervention within a multi-modal plan of care for the management of work-related chronic tension-type headaches associated with LSS.

Abstract

Chronic tension-type headaches (CTTH) have a lifetime prevalence of 42% and account for more lost workdays than migraine headaches. Dry needling (DN) is being increasingly used by physical therapists in the management of CTTH; however, to date, the supporting evidence is limited. The purpose of this case report was to describe how three sessions of DN targeting myofascial trigger points in the levator scapulae (LS) muscle and its distal enthesis was used to treat a 63-year-old male patient who presented with work-related CTTH associated with levator scapulae syndrome (LSS). The patient was treated for five visits over the course of 2 months. At discharge and 6-month follow-up, the patient reported full resolution of symptoms. Self-report outcomes included the numeric pain rating scale and the Neck Disability Index. The use of DN to the LS muscle and its distal enthesis may be a valuable addition to a multi-modal plan of care in the treatment of work-related CTTH associated with LSS.

Spinal manipulation and electrical dry needling as an adjunct to conventional physical therapy in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: a multi-center randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Nonoperative management of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) includes activity modification, medication, injections, and physical therapy. Conventional physical therapy includes a multimodal approach of exercise, manual therapy, and electro-thermal modalities. There is a paucity of evidence supporting the use of spinal manipulation and dry needling as an adjunct to conventional physical therapy in patients with LSS.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine the effects of adding thrust spinal manipulation and electrical dry needling to conventional physical therapy in patients with LSS.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

Randomized, single-blinded, multi-center, parallel-group clinical trial.

PATIENT SAMPLE

One hundred twenty-eight (n=128) patients with LSS from 12 outpatient clinics in 8 states were recruited over a 34-month period.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcomes included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Secondary outcomes included the Roland Morris Disability Index (RMDI), Global Rating of Change (GROC), and medication intake. Follow-up assessments were taken at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to receive either spinal manipulation, electrical dry needling, and conventional physical therapy (MEDNCPT group, n=65) or conventional physical therapy alone (CPT group, n=63).

RESULTS

At 3 months, the MEDNCPT group experienced greater reductions in overall low back, buttock, and leg pain (NPRS: F=5.658; p=.002) and related-disability (ODI: F=9.921; p<.001; RMDI: F=7.263; p<.001) compared to the CPT group. Effect sizes were small at 2 and 6 weeks, and medium at 3 months for the NPRS, ODI, and RMDI. At 3 months, significantly (p=.003) more patients in the MEDNCPT group reported a successful outcome (GROC≥+5) than the CPT group.

CONCLUSION

Patients with LSS who received electrical dry needling and spinal manipulation in addition to impairment-based exercise, manual therapy and electro-thermal modalities experienced greater improvements in low back, buttock and leg pain and related-disability than those receiving exercise, manual therapy, and electro-thermal modalities alone at 3 months, but not at the 2 or 6 week follow-up.

Dry needling perceptions and experiences: A survey of Australian physiotherapists

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of information on the use of dry needling in Australian physiotherapy practice.

OBJECTIVES

Our primary aim was to enhance the understanding of why Australian physiotherapists use dry needling in clinical practice. The secondary aim was to explore Australian physiotherapists experiences with adverse events caused by dry needling.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional online survey.

METHOD

We developed a survey and disseminated it through email to physiotherapists from all states and territories in Australia. Participant demographics and responses were reported as frequencies and percentages.

RESULTS/FINDINGS

We invited 1006 Australian physiotherapists, of which 232 (23%) viewed the online survey and 203 (20%) consented to participate, of which nearly all completed the survey (n = 198, 98%). Most respondents worked in private practice (n = 164, 83%), with 127 (64%) reporting using dry needling as an intervention within the previous 12 months. Physiotherapists typically used dry needling to decrease pain intensity (n = 105, 85%) and reduce muscle tension (n = 100, 81%). Reports of minor adverse events were common and included discomfort during the treatment (n = 77, 62%) and bruising (n = 69, 56%). Some respondents reported experiencing major adverse events including prolonged aggravation of symptoms (n = 10, 8%) and syncope (n = 16, 13%).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that many Australian physiotherapists in private practice use dry needling, usually to decrease pain intensity and muscle tension. Minor adverse events were experienced by more than half the respondents and between 8 and 13% of the Australian physiotherapists surveyed reported experiencing a major adverse event due to dry needling.

Small needle-knife versus extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of chronic heel pain among adults. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is the recommended in the current guidelines, and the small needle-knife yields acceptable clinical effects for musculoskeletal pain.

Objective

To systematically compare the efficacy of the small needle-knife versus ESWT for the treatment of PF.

Methods

The present review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (i.e., "PROSPERO", CRD42023448813). Two of the authors searched electronic databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the small needle-knife versus ESWT for the treatment of PF, and collected outcomes including curative effect, pain intensity, and function. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook Risk of Bias tool and the quality of the RCTs was evaluated according to the Jadad Scale. The same authors independently performed data extraction from the included studies, which were imported into Review Manager version 5.4.1(Copenhagen: Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2020) for meta-analysis.

Results

The initial literature search retrieved 886 studies, of which 6 were eventually included in this study. Meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in curative effect (OR = 1.87; 95 % CI [0.80, 4.37], p = .15) nor short-term pain improvement (MD = 2.20; 95 % CI [-2.77, 7.16], p = .39) between the small needle-knife and ESWT. However, the small needle-knife may be more effective than ESWT for pain improvement in mid-term (MD = 9.11; 95 % CI [5.08, 13.15], p＜ .00001) and long-term follow-ups (MD = 10.71; 95 % CI [2.18, 19.25], p＜ .00001). Subgroup analysis revealed that the small needle-knife combined with a corticosteroid injection yielded a statistically significant difference in reduction of pain intensity at all follow-ups (MD = 4.84; 95 % CI [1.33, 8.36], p = .007; MD = 10.99; 95 % CI [8.30, 13.69], p＜ .00001; MD = 17.87; 95 % CI [15.26, 20.48], p＜ .00001). Meta-analysis revealed no statistical differences in short-term (MD = 1.34; 95 % CI [-3.19, 5.86], p = .56) and mid-term (MD = 2.75; 95 % CI [-1.21, 6.72], p = . 17) functional improvement between the needle-knife and ESWT groups. In a subgroup analysis of moderate-quality studies, the small needle-knife demonstrated a favorable effect on mid-term functional improvement (MD = 1.58; 95 % CI [0.52, 2.65], p = .004), with low heterogeneity (χ2 = 0.77, p = .038, I2 = 0 %). Conclusion: Pain reduction and functional improvement are essential for the treatment of PF. Therefore, treatment using the small needle-knife may be superior to ESWT. Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis may provide alternative treatment options for patients with PF as well as more reliable, evidence-based recommendations supporting use of the small needle-knife.

Comprehensive Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Protocol of Plantar Fasciitis for a 45-Year-Old Female: A Case Report

Plantar fasciitis is stated to arise because of inadequate accumulated tension at the plantar fascia's enthesis. Tensile load and prolonged strain cause tiny rips in the fascia, which trigger a chronic inflammation process of healing. This case report shows the diagnostic evaluations, assessment of the condition, and physical rehabilitation management for a 45-year-old female nurse working in the neurosurgical critical care unit who had been experiencing plantar medial and posterior heel pain, as well as discomfort at the calcaneal tuberosity, for the previous six months. To increase functional mobility and alleviate symptoms, the patient sought out physiotherapy intervention. In this case, a physiotherapeutic program was implemented to treat plantar fasciitis, enhance mobility, and encourage long-term recovery. The evaluation included a detailed review of the patient's gait, biomechanics, and circumstances that may have contributed to the ongoing problems. The multimodal strategy used in the intervention plan included manual therapy, strengthening and stretching exercises, as well as patient education and counselling on self-management techniques. The patient's functional mobility increased along with a steady reduction in discomfort during the duration of the physiotherapy sessions. The instance emphasises how important it is to manage persistent plantar fasciitis with a customised physical therapy strategy that takes the patient's specific requirements into account and addresses contributory variables. The present study adds to the extant literature on efficacious physiotherapeutic approaches for plantar fasciitis, highlighting the need for a holistic approach in attaining favourable results for individuals enduring heel discomfort.

Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023

The Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has an ongoing effort to create evidence-based practice guidelines for orthopaedic physical therapy management of patients with musculoskeletal impairments described in the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). The purpose of these revised clinical practice guidelines is to review recent peer-reviewed literature and make recommendations related to nonarthritic heel pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023;53(12):CPG1-CPG39. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.0303.

Sonographic and clinical effects of manual physical therapy for plantar fasciitis: randomized prospective controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of manual physiotherapy on clinical outcomes, morphology of plantar fascia (PF), thicknesses of calcaneal fat pad (CFP) and Kager's fat pad (KFP) with ultrasound imaging in plantar fasciitis (PFS) patients. Also, to evaluate the PF thickness, pain and foot functional outcomes among PFS phases.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 122 subjects divided into three groups: group A (40 patients with PFS) underwent manual physiotherapy, group B (42 patients with PFS) without any intervention and group C (40 healthy subjects) were matched by age, gender and BMI with each patient in group A and B. The following outcomes were evaluated at baseline and one-month of follow-ups: morphology of PF and thicknesses of CFP and KFP, pain, foot functional limitation.

RESULTS

PF thickness was significantly thickened in group A and B compared to group C (P < 0.001). A significant decrease in incidence of PF echogenicity and CFP thickness were found in group A and B compared to group C. Moreover, significant improvement was observed in PF thickness (P < 0.001), PF echogenicity (P < 0.001) and CFP thickness (P = 0.002) in group A at one-month after the treatment. Furthermore, pain intensity and foot functional limitation was significantly improved within group A after receiving the treatment. Significant improvement was noted in PF thickness, pain intensity and foot functional limitation among patients with acute phase.

CONCLUSION

The manual physiotherapy is effective in treatment of PF thickening, hypoechogenicity, pain intensity and activity limitations, particularly in patients associated with acute PFS.

Effects of dry needling and stretching exercise versus stretching exercise only on pain intensity, function, and sonographic characteristics of plantar fascia in the subjects with plantar fasciitis: a parallel single-blinded randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Plantar fasciitis is a common problem in the foot region which has negative considerable impact on foot function.

METHODS

In this parallel blinded randomized controlled trial, a total of thirty-seven subjects with plantar fasciitis (forty feet) were enrolled randomly to either the control group (stretching exercise) or the experimental group (stretching exercise plus dry needling). All interventions lasted six weeks and both groups were followed for two weeks. Primary outcomes were first step pain, pain, and activity daily function subscales of the FAOS questionnaire and secondary outcomes were plantar fascia thickness, and echogenicity.

RESULTS

The mixed model ANOVAs showed significant group × time interactions for all primary outcomes. In both groups, first step pain and both subscales of the FAOS questionnaire were improved compared to baseline measurements. There were considerable differences between the two groups and the experimental group experienced more improvements in primary outcomes compared to the control group. For secondary outcomes, plantar fascia thickness at insertion significantly decreased, and the echogenicity in the two regions significantly increased in the experimental group compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the combination of dry needling and stretching exercises can be an effective conservative treatment for plantar fasciitis subjects.

Effects of therapeutic interventions on pain due to plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of different therapeutic interventions that have ever been evaluated in randomized controlled trials on pain due to plantar fasciitis.

METHODS

We searched different electronic databases until September 2022. Mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation was used to evaluate the overall certainty evidence.

RESULTS

A total of 236 studies met the study criteria, including 15,401 patients. Botulinum toxin MD -2.14 (CI: -4.15, -0.14), micronized dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane injection MD -3.31 (CI: -5.54, -1.08), dry needling MD -2.34 (CI: -4.64, -0.04), low-dye taping MD -3.60 (CI: -4.16, -3.03), low-level laser therapy MD -2.09 (CI: -2.28, -1.90), myofascial releases MD -1.79 (CI: -2.63, -0.94), platelet-rich plasma MD -2.40 (CI: -4.16, -0.63), radiofrequency MD -2.47 (CI: -4.65, -0.29), and stretching MD -1.14 (CI: -2.02, -0.26) resulted in being effective treatments for pain when compared to the control in the short term. In the medium and long term, only extracorporeal shock wave therapy MD -0.97 (CI: -1.13, -0.81)/MD -2.49 (CI: -3.17, -1.82) was effective for improving pain when compared to the control.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the available studies, this systematic review and meta-analysis showed that different therapeutic interventions seem to be useful strategies for improving pain in patients with plantar fasciitis. In the medium and long term, only extracorporeal shock wave therapy was effective in improving pain when compared to the control.

Effects of percutaneous neuromodulation in neuromusculoskeletal pathologies: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous neuromodulation (PNM) consists in using electrical stimulation on a peripheral nerve by using a needle as an electrode in order to lessen the pain and restore both neuromuscular and nervous system functions. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the current scientific evidence of the effects of PNM on pain and physical capabilities in neuromusculoskeletal injuries.

METHODS

Data sources: There was used the PRISMA protocol. In order to do the literature research, there were used the PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Study selection or eligibility criteria: There were also included experimental clinical trials published between 2010 and nowadays, tested on humans, which feature treatment based on needles with electrical stimulation in order to treat neuromusculoskeletal injuries. Study appraisal and synthesis methods: A quality assessment was performed according to the PEDro scale and reviewed the impact factor and quartile of the journal.

RESULTS

The treatment resulted in significant improvement in terms of pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, balance, muscular endurance, functionality/disability, subjective improvement, function of the descending pain modulatory system, and intake of drugs. Limitations: the lack of previous research studies on the subject and the lack of data on opioid intake in the selected studies.

CONCLUSION

Treatment based on PNM may be an alternative when treating injuries in soft tissues without significant side effects. However, there are few articles investigating the effects of PNM so more evidence is needed to draw solid conclusions.

Effects of Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Stimulation Targeting Peripheral Nerve Tissue on Pain and Function: A Scoping Review

This paper assesses the effects of percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) on pain- and function-related outcomes by means of a scoping review of studies with single cases, case-series, quasi-experimental, and randomized or non-randomized trial designs. We consulted the PubMed, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. Data were extracted by two reviewers. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale for experimental studies and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool for case reports or cases series. Mapping of the results included: (1), description of included studies; (2), summary of results; and, (3), identification of gaps in the existing literature. Eighteen articles (five randomized controlled trials, one trial protocol, nine case series and three case reports) were included. The methodological quality of the papers was moderate to high. The conditions included in the studies were heterogeneous: chronic low back pain, lower limb pain after lumbar surgery, chronic post-amputation pain, rotator cuff repair, foot surgery, knee arthroplasty, knee pain, brachial plexus injury, elbow pain and ankle instability. In addition, one study included a healthy athletic population. Interventions were also highly heterogeneous in terms of sessions, electrical current parameters, or time of treatment. Most studies observed positive effects of PENS targeting nerve tissue against the control group; however, due to the heterogeneity in the populations, interventions, and follow-up periods, pooling analyses were not possible. Based on the available literature, PENS interventions targeting peripheral nerves might be considered as a potential therapeutic strategy for improving pain-related and functional outcomes. Nevertheless, further research considering important methodological quality issues (e.g., inclusion of control groups, larger sample sizes and comparatives between electric current parameters) are needed prior to recommending its use in clinical practice.

An Update on Physical Therapy Adjuncts in Orthopedics

Physical therapy is a necessary part of the recovery process after most orthopedic procedures. Effective treatment, patient satisfaction, and financial reimbursement hinge on the successful implementation of both surgical and nonsurgical interventions. Evidence-based practice and open communication between therapists and orthopedic surgeons continue to form the foundation of patient care. The aim of this paper is to familiarize orthopedic surgeons with the relevant data behind some of the recent advances in rehabilitation adjuncts to better address the needs of our patients. Although each intervention has been found to be relatively safe, high-quality evidence is still sparse. Opportunities exist for improved outcomes with further well-designed studies to investigate the role of these therapy modalities among orthopedic patients.

Electrical dry needling versus conventional physiotherapy in the treatment of active and latent myofascial trigger points in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain

Background

Chronic low back pain is considered to be one of the main causes of absenteeism from work and primary and specialized consultations. The symptoms of nonspecific chronic low back pain may be accompanied by the activation of myofascial trigger points in the muscles, together with local and/or referred pain. Electrical dry needling is increasingly used in the treatment of lumbar myofascial pain. Conventional physiotherapy, however, is a popular approach to chronic pathologies, and there is evidence of different modalities of physiotherapy being used in the treatment of chronic low back pain. The aim of this study has been to determine the effectiveness of electrical dry needling versus conventional physiotherapy when applied to active and latent myofascial trigger points in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain.

Methods

This is a controlled, randomized, two-arm, double-blind study. A total of 92 patients with chronic low back pain (time to onset ≥ 3 months, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire score ≥ 4) will be recruited from the University of Almería. Participants will be divided into two study groups (n = 40) to receive treatment of low back pain with electrical dry needling and conventional physiotherapy (ischaemic compression, analytic stretching and postural education training dossier). A total of 6 sessions will be administered once a week for 6 weeks. Pain intensity, disability, fear of movement, quality of life, quality of sleep, anxiety and depression, pressure pain threshold, abdominal strength and lumbar mobility will be recorded at 6 weeks (post-immediate) and 2 months after the end of treatment.

Discussion

We believe that an approach including electrical dry needling to chronic low back pain dysfunction will be more effective in these patients. The results of this study will inform clinicians on which type of treatment is more beneficial for patients with chronic low back pain.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04804228. Registered on 14 January 2021

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06179-y.

Muscle Quality Assessment by Ultrasound Imaging of the Intrinsic Foot Muscles in Individuals with and without Plantar Fasciitis: A Case-Control Study

Objective: The primary aim of the present study was to compare the echo intensity (EI) and echovariation (EV) of the intrinsic foot muscles (IFMs) between individuals with and without plantar fasciitis (PF), using ultrasound imaging. The secondary objective was to study the intra-rater reliability of the echotexture variables. Methods: A case−control study was conducted with 64 participants, who were divided into the following two groups: A, the PF group (n = 32); B, the healthy group (n = 32). Results: The comparison between the two groups did not identify significant differences (p > 0.05) between the flexor hallucis brevis (FHB), flexor digitorum brevis (FDB), quadratus plantae (QP) and abductor hallucis brevis (AHB) variables for the EI and EV. Moreover, excellent intra-rater reliability was reported for the following ultrasound imaging EI variables: ABH (ICC = 0.951), FHB (ICC = 0.949), FDB (ICC = 0.981) and QP (ICC = 0.984). Conclusions: The muscle quality assessment using the EI and EV variables did not identify differences in the FHB, FDB, AHB and QP muscles between individuals with and without PF through USI evaluation. The reliability of all the IFM measurements was reported to be excellent.

A Multisegmental Approach to Dry Needling Plantar Fasciitis: A Case Study

CONTEXT

Plantar heel pain is a common problem affecting foot function, causing pain in the foot under the heel. Plantar fasciitis is commonly treated with conservative treatment, such as joint and soft tissue mobilization, self-stretching home programs, foot orthoses, and night splinting or booting. Dry needling (DN) has shown to be an effective method of treating plantar fasciitis (PF) in multiple randomized control trials. Dry needling is a technique that has been reported to be beneficial in managing pain and dysfunction after PF. Still, there is limited published literature on DN, a myofascial sequence as part of the treatment of PF.

CASE PRESENTATION

The patient was a 38-year-old female runner referred by a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment to include DN and therapy for persistent PF in the right foot. She was treated 4 times over 3 weeks with a home exercise program. Management and Outcomes: The DN intervention was beyond the local plantar fascia and incorporated 11 locations from the foot up the posterior chain and 2 electric stim channels. The patient had reduced pain as measured by a visual analog scale, increased function as measured by the functional ankle disability index, and range of motion increases.

CONCLUSIONS

This case illustrates the use of DN and a home exercise program to provide a favorable outcome in a patient with PF.

Ultrasonographic Validation for Needle Placement in the Tibialis Posterior Muscle

BACKGROUND

The tibialis posterior (TP) muscle plays an important role in normal foot function. Safe, efficacious therapeutic approaches addressing this muscle are necessary; however, the location of the muscle in the deep posterior compartment can create challenges.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of needle placement in the TP muscle and determine the needle placement in relation to the neurovascular structures located within the deep compartment.

DESIGN

Cross Sectional Study.

METHODS

Needle placement and ultrasound imaging were performed on 20 healthy individuals. A 50 mm or 60 mm needle was inserted between 30 - 50% of the tibial length measured from the medial tibiofemoral joint. The needle was inserted in a medial to lateral direction into the right extremity with the patient in right side lying. Placement of the needle into the TP muscle was verified with ultrasound imaging, and the shortest distance from the needle to the posterior tibial artery and tibial nerve was measured. The depth from the skin to the superficial border of the TP muscle was also measured.

RESULTS

Ultrasonography confirmed the needle filament was inserted into the TP muscle in all 20 individuals and did not penetrate the neurovascular bundle in any individual. The mean distance from the needle to the tibial nerve and posterior tibial artery was 10.0 + 4.7 mm and 10.2 + 4.7 mm respectively. The superficial border of the TP muscle from the skin was at a mean depth of 25.8 + 4.9 mm.

CONCLUSION

This ultrasound imaging needle placement study supports placement of a solid filament needle into the TP muscle with avoidance of the neurovascular structures of the deep posterior compartment when placed from a medial to lateral direction at 30-50% of the tibial length.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2b.

A Comparative Study of Treatment Interventions for Patellar Tendinopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

To determine the additional effect of dry needling (DN) or percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) combined with eccentric exercise (EE) and determine which is the most effective for patients with patellar tendinopathy (PT).

DESIGN

Blinded, randomized controlled trial, with follow-up at 10 and 22 weeks.

SETTINGS

Recruitment was performed in sport clubs. Diagnosis and intervention were conducted at San Jorge University.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (N=48) with PT with pain for at least 3 months between the ages of 18 and 45 years.

INTERVENTIONS

Three interventions were carried out: DN and EE, PNE and EE, and EE with sham needle as the control group.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Disability was measured using the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment Questionnaire, patellar tendon. Visual analog scale was used to measure pain over time, the Short Form-36 was used to measure quality of life, and ultrasound was used to measure structural abnormalities.

RESULTS

A total of 48 participants (42 men, 6 women; average age, 32.46y; SD, 7.14y) were enrolled. The improvement in disability and pain in each group between baseline and post-treatment and baseline and follow-up was significant (P≤.05), without differences among groups.

CONCLUSION

DN or PNE combined with an EE program has not shown to be more effective than a program of only EE to improve disability and pain in patients with PT in the short (10wk) and medium (22wk) terms. Clinical improvements were not associated with structural changes in the tendon.

Spinal manipulation and perineural electrical dry needling in patients with cervicogenic headache: a multicenter randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Spinal manipulation, spinal mobilization, and exercise are commonly used in individuals with cervicogenic headache (CH). Dry needling is being increasingly used in the management of CH. However, questions remain about the effectiveness of these therapies and how they compare to each other.

PURPOSE

The present study aims to compare the combined effects of spinal manipulation and dry needling with spinal mobilization and exercise on pain and disability in individuals with CH.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

Randomized, multicenter, parallel-group trial.

PATIENT SAMPLE

One hundred forty-two patients (n=142) with CH from 13 outpatient clinics in 10 different states were recruited over a 36-month period.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was headache intensity as measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Secondary outcomes included headache frequency and duration, disability (Neck Disability Index), medication intake, and the Global Rating of Change (GROC). Follow-up assessments were taken at 1 week, 4 weeks, and 3 months.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to receive upper cervical and upper thoracic spinal manipulation plus electrical dry needling (n=74) or upper cervical and upper thoracic spinal mobilization and exercise (n=68). In addition, the mobilization group also received a program of craniocervical and peri-scapular resistance exercises; whereas, the spinal manipulation group also received up to eight sessions of perineural electrical dry needling. The treatment period for both groups was 4 weeks. The trial was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02373605). Drs Dunning, Butts and Young are faculty within the AAMT Fellowship and teach postgraduate courses in spinal manipulation, spinal mobilization, dry needling, exercise and differential diagnosis. The other authors declare no conflicts of interest. None of the authors received any funding for this study.

RESULTS

The 2 × 4 analysis of covariance revealed that individuals with CH who received thrust spinal manipulation and electrical dry needling experienced significantly greater reductions in headache intensity (F=23.464; p<.001), headache frequency (F=13.407; p<.001), and disability (F=10.702; p<.001) than those who received nonthrust mobilization and exercise at a 3-month follow-up. Individuals in the spinal manipulation and electrical dry needling group also experienced shorter duration of headaches (p<.001) at 3 months. Based on the cutoff score of ≥+5 on the GROC, significantly (X²=54.840; p<.001) more patients (n=57, 77%) within the spinal manipulation and electrical dry needling group achieved a successful outcome compared to the mobilization and exercise group (n=10, 15%) at 3-month follow-up. Between-groups effect sizes were large (0.94<standardized mean score difference<1.25) in all outcomes in favor of the spinal manipulation and electrical dry needling group at 3 months. In addition, significantly (X²=29.889; p<.001) more patients in the spinal manipulation and electrical dry needling group (n=49, 66%) completely stopped taking medication for their pain compared to the spinal mobilization and exercise group (n=14, 21%) at 3 months.

CONCLUSION

Upper cervical and upper thoracic high-velocity low-amplitude thrust spinal manipulation and electrical dry needling were shown to be more effective than nonthrust mobilization and exercise in patients with CH, and the effects were maintained at 3 months.

Dry needling strategies for musculoskeletal conditions: Do the number of needles and needle retention time matter? A narrative literature review

Acupuncture and dry needling are both minimally invasive procedures that use thin, filiform needles without injectate for the management of a variety of neuromusculoskeletal pain conditions. While the theoretical constructs underlying the use of acupuncture and dry needling are unique, both appear to have the ability to elicit biochemical, biomechanical, endocrinological and neurovascular changes associated with reductions in pain and disability. However, optimal treatment dosage has yet to be determined, and there is a lack of consistency in the literature on the number of needles that should be inserted and the needle retention time. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review is to further explore the importance of these two variables. While trigger point dry needling advocates single needle insertions via repetitive, quick in-and-out pistoning, most acupuncture and dry needling clinical trials have incorporated multiple needles for five to 40 min. Notably and to date, using a single needle to repeatedly prick trigger points one at a time with fast-in and fast-out pistoning maneuvers has not yet been shown to produce significant and clinically meaningful long term improvements in pain and disability in a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions. Insertion of multiple needles for typically 20-30 min durations has been shown to produce larger treatment effect sizes and longer-lasting outcomes than brief, single-needle strategies. Moreover, the number of needles and needle retention time are two variables associated with treatment dosage and must be carefully matched with specific musculoskeletal conditions and the patient's goals.

Dry needling as a novel intervention for cervicogenic somatosensory tinnitus: a case study

Tinnitus is defined as conscious perception of sound in the absence of a corresponding external stimulus. A condition that affects 10 - 15% of the adult population, tinnitus may be caused by an interaction between the somatosensory and auditory system, more formally known as somatosensory tinnitus. Cervicogenic somatosensory tinnitus is a subgroup of somatosensory tinnitus involving anatomical structures and physiological mechanisms associated with the cervical spine. A limited number of studies have reported inconsistent outcomes for treating cervicogenic somatosensory tinnitus with conservative treatment strategies such as manual therapy and exercise. However, dry needling is a skilled, manual therapy intervention that has recently gained popularity among the physical therapy profession that may be useful for both evaluating and treating the condition. The following case report describes the use of dry needling to evaluate and treat a patient with cervical somatosensory tinnitus and concurrent cervicogenic headaches. Physical therapy that targeted the muscles of the upper cervical spine with dry needling resulted in a meaningful reduction in cervicogenic somatosensory tinnitus, and the improvements persisted at 1-year follow-up. Further research, including randomized control trials, is warranted to fully determine the potential of dry needling to treat cervicogenic somatosensory tinnitus.

Rate and maintenance of improvement of myofascial pain with dry needling alone vs. dry needling with intramuscular electrical stimulation: a randomized controlled trial

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, randomized.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the difference in rate and maintenance of improvement of pain and disability for Dry Needling (DN) compared to Dry Needling with Intramuscular Electrical Stimulation (DN/IMES), in Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS).

BACKGROUND

DN and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) have been shown to be efficacious in treating MPS. DN/IMES for MPS treatment has not been studied extensively, but initial results are promising.

METHODS

Forty-five subjects were randomly assigned to the DN (n = 25) or DN/IMES (n = 20) group. Both groups received six consecutive weekly treatments and completed NDI and NPRS questionnaires (week 0, 3, 6, and 12).

RESULTS

Both DN and DN/IMES groups showed significant improvement between weeks 0-6 on NDI (p = 0.008 and 0.00002, respectively) and NPRS scores (0 = 0.017 and p = 0.018, respectively). DN/IMES group showed significant within group changes on the NPRS between weeks 0-3 (p = 0.029). No changes were noted in the DN or DN/IMES groups between week 6-12 on NDI (p = 0.497 and p = 0.714, respectively) or NPRS (p = 0.801 and p = 0.164, respectively).

CONCLUSION

DN and DN/IMES demonstrated improvement and maintenance in disability and pain for 6 weeks. No differences in improvement of disability or pain existed between the groups at week 6 or 12.

Current advances and research in ultrasound imaging to the assessment and management of musculoskeletal disorders

Currently evidence-based practice has given scientific weight to the physical therapist profession; it is essential that all medical professional and physical therapists know the usefulness of new tools that optimize the effectiveness of their interventions and allow the growing of the scientific knowledge base. The use of ultrasound imaging (USI) by physiotherapists has evolved in recent years, consolidating as an increasingly standardized technique, low cost compared to other imaging techniques, quickly of execution, feasible and reliable tool. USI offers a wide range of opportunities in clinical practice as well as in different research areas. Therefore, ultrasound has been currently used as a diagnostic tool by physicians and in recent years there has been an expansion of the use of ultrasound equipment by non-physicians professionals such as physical therapist or physical trainers, who incorporates USI as a means of assessing musculoskeletal system architecture and composition, musculoskeletal changes in dysfunction, pain or injury conditions, as an interventional technique assisting echo-guided procedures or using the visual real-time information as a biofeedback in control motor approaches, as guiding tool in clinical decisions as well as to improve the understanding of tissue adaptations to exercise or movement. The purpose of this article is to review and provide an overview about the currently research of the USI applications and their benefits for the diagnosis and management in individuals with musculoskeletal conditions.

Short-Term Effects of PENS versus Dry Needling in Subjects with Unilateral Mechanical Neck Pain and Active Myofascial Trigger Points in Levator Scapulae Muscle: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Procedures such as dry needling (DN) or percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) are commonly proposed for the treatment of myofascial trigger points (MTrP). The aim of the present study is to investigate if PENS is more effective than DN in the short term in subjects with mechanical neck pain. This was an evaluator-blinded randomized controlled trial. Subjects were recruited through announcements and randomly allocated into DN or PENS groups. Pain intensity, disability, pressure pain threshold (PPT), range of motion (ROM), and side-bending strength were measured. The analyses included mixed-model analyses of variance and pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction. The final sample was composed of 44 subjects (22 per group). Both groups showed improvements in pain intensity (ηp2 = 0.62; p < 0.01), disability (ηp2 = 0.74; p < 0.01), PPT (ηp2 = 0.79; p < 0.01), and strength (ηp2 = 0.37; p < 0.01). The PENS group showed greater improvements in disability (mean difference, 3.27; 95% CI, 0.27-6.27) and PPT (mean difference, 0.88-1.35; p < 0.01). Mixed results were obtained for ROM. PENS seems to produce greater improvements in PPT and disability in the short term.

Effectiveness of percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of percutaneous electrical stimulation (PENS) alone or as an adjunct with other interventions on pain and related disability in musculoskeletal pain conditions.

DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT

Search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, EBSCO, PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases. Randomized controlled trials where at least one group received any form of PENS for musculoskeletal condition. Studies had to include humans and collect outcomes on pain and related disability in musculoskeletal pain. Risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane Guidelines, the quality of evidence by using the GRADE approach. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies were included and included heterogeneous musculoskeletal conditions with short- or midterm follow-ups. PENS alone had a large effect (SMD -1.22, 95% CI -1.66 to -0.79) on pain and a small effect (SMD -0.33, 95% CI -0.61 to -0.06) on related disability at short-term as compared with sham. A moderate effect of PENS alone (SMD -0.71, 95% CI -1.23 to -0.19) on pain when compared with other interventions was observed. The inclusion of PENS with other interventions had a moderate effect for decreasing pain at short- (SMD -0.70, 95% CI -1.02 to -0.37) and midterm (SMD -0.68, 95% CI -1.10 to -0.27). No effect at midterm (SMD -0.21, 95% CI -0.52 to 0.10) on related disability was seen. The risk of bias was generally low; but the heterogenicity of the results downgraded the level of evidence.

CONCLUSION

There is low level of evidence suggesting the effects of PENS alone or in combination for pain, but not related disability, in musculoskeletal pain.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapy, level 1a. Registration number: CRD42019131331.

SIGNIFICANCE

This meta-analysis investigating the effectiveness of PENS for the management of pain and related disability in musculoskeletal pain conditions found that PENS could decrease level of pain intensity but not relateddisability in musculoskeletal pain disorders.