Comparison the efficacy of dry needling and ischemic compression methods in miyofascial pain syndrome: a randomized trial

Abstract

Objectives: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is the most common in the musculoskeletal disease. Dry needling techniques and ischemic compression are the most common applications. We aimed to compare the efficacy of dry needling and ischemic compression methods on pain, cervical range of motion (ROM), and disability in MPS. Patients and methods: This is a randomized, controlled study. 98 patients with MPS were randomly assigned into three groups. Group1 received dry needling (n=33), group 2(n=33) received ischemic compression and group 3(n=32) received combined with dry needling and ischemic compression inventions. Additionally, all patients were given neck exercise programs including isotonic, isometric, and stretching. The severity of the pain was measured by visual analog scale (VAS). The pressure pain threshold (PPT) and cervical ROM were also recorded. Disability was assessed by the Neck Pain Disability Scale. All assessments were performed before the treatment and one month and three months after the treatment. Results: There were statistically significant improvements in VAS, PPT, cervical ROM, and disability scores after one and three months in all groups compared to pre-treatment results (p<0.05). After three months of follow-up, statistically significant differences were observed in all parameters between the groups (p<0.05) except cervical ROM (p>0.05). Conclusion: Myofascial pain syndrome in patients with ischemic compression and dry needling effective treatment methods are shown separately in our study to be more effective when used together.