Local twitch responses (LTRs) can be elicited by snapping palpation of myofascial trigger points (TrP) or TrP injections. Objective: To characterize the LTR elicited by TrP injection and snapping palpation on surface electromyography (sEMG) in subjects with myofascial pain in 14 female subjects. Methods: Surface EMG electrodes were placed around the TrP and a control site on the trapezius muscle. Then the following protocol was carried out: tension and contraction of the ipsilateral trapezius muscle, baseline resting activity (five minutes), snapping palpation of the TrP and the control sites, TrP injection, and final resting activity (five minutes). The following data were recorded: pain ratings, areas of referred pain, presence of LTR, and sEMG recordings. Results: During the TrP injection, the investigator found LTRs in only 36% of the subjects, while 64% of the subjects reported that they felt the LTR, and the sEMG recorded only one LTR in one subject. Despite the low percentage of LTRs elicited clinically (36%), a large number of subjects (71%) reported more than 50% immediate reduction in pain intensity after the TrP injection. Conclusion: The sEMG is unable to register the LTR elicited by snapping palpation and TrP injection.

Les PTM sont une source de douleur régionale et de dysfonctionnements neuromusculaires. Ils sont couramment associés à une hyperalgésie, à des troubles comportementaux et des restrictionsfonctionnelles. La douleur est bien documentée dans la littérature scientifique mais les études de ses conséquences sur le mouvement reposent exclusivement sur l'analyse de gestes simples. L'objectif dece travail est d'étudier la douleur myofasciale du membre supérieur et de vérifier si une technique de thérapie manuelle influençant cette douleur permet de rétablir la performance motrice d'un mouvement fonctionnel. Quatre études ont été réalisées afin d'analyser : 1) la performance motrice d'un mouvement elliptique dans le plan horizontal ; 2) dans le plan frontal et d'une tâche de tapement ; 3) la douleur sur le membre supérieur non atteint chez des sujets ayant subi un AVC ; 4) l'incidence de la douleur chez le personnel soignant d'un centre hospitalier. Les résultats indiquent que la présence de PTM produit la douleur myofasciale et : 1) n'influence pas significativement la performance motrice d'un mouvement elliptique horizontal ; 2) altère la performance motrice d'un mouvement elliptique frontal et d'une tâche de tapement chez les sujets présentant des PTM ; 3) modifie aussi la fonction motrice de l'extrémité supérieure ipsilatérale à la lésion ; 4) touche 8,43% du personnel soignant, étant bilatérale et pouvant conduire à des arrêts maladie dans 14,28 % des cas. L'application d'une technique de compression ischémique locale permet de retrouver la quasi-totalité de la fonction motrice. Il semblerait qu'une reprogrammation du mouvement s'avère nécessaire pour récupérer totalement la fonction motrice.

Thesis (D.Phil.(Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Summary in English and Afrikaans. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Alberta, 2009. / A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. Title from pdf file main screen (viewed on September 4, 2009). Includes bibliographical references.

Orientador: Guilherme Antonio Moreira de Barros / Banca: Norma Sueli Pinheiro Módolo / Banca: Manoell Lima de Menezes / Banca: Efigênia Queiroz de Santana / Banca: Francisco Otero Espinar / Resumo: Introdução e Objetivo: a síndrome de dor miofascial (SDM) é uma das causas mais comuns de dor musculoesquelética. Esta dor pode se originar em um único músculo e, eventualmente, pode envolver múltiplos músculos gerando padrões complexos e variáveis de sintomas dolorosos. Nesta pesquisa, utilizou-se a capsaicina em alta concentração, produto natural obtido da pimenta vermelha e que há muito é empregada para o alívio da dor, como alternativa ao tratamento da SDM. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver e avaliar a possível ação analgésica de uma forma farmacêutica semi-sólida (creme) de capsaicina 8% em pacientes com síndrome de dor miofascial. Paralelamente avaliou-se a ocorrência de efeitos de intolerância cutânea relacionados ao emprego tópico da capsaicina, bem como as concentrações de capsaicina plasmática e finais, após 10 meses de manufatura, nas formulações. Material e Métodos: foram desenvolvidas as formulações Fc1 (fórmula creme base) e Fc2 (fórmula creme base + capsaicina 8%). As mesmas foram submetidas aos ensaios microbiológicos, físicos e químicos para avaliação da qualidade, conforme preconizado pela ANVISA. Este estudo prospectivo e randomizado foi desenvolvido no Serviço de Terapia Antálgica e Cuidados Paliativos (TACP) da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, UNESP. Os 40 pacientes participantes foram alocados em dois grupos, Fc1 e Fc2. Sempre em âmbito hospitalar, os cremes foram administrados topicamente, conforme o grupo, com o emprego prévio de anestésico local tópico por 50 minutos. Para tal, escolheu-se o pontogatilho (PG) que mais provocava desconforto e dor à palpação para a aplicação tópica das formulações na quantidade de 10 g em área delimitada de aproximadamente 24 mm e superficialmente a este ponto. Após 30 minutos da aplicação o produto foi retirado, tendo sido avaliados os parâmetros de tolerabilidade à pele. A dor foi quantificada imediatamente,... / Abstract: Background and Objective: myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal pain. This pain may originate in a single muscle and eventually may involve multiple muscles generating complex patterns and variable painful symptoms. In this study capsaicin, a natural product obtained from red pepper, was formulated in a high concentration. Capsaicin, which has long been used for the management of pain, was tested as an alternative to the management of the MPS. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the potential analgesic action of a semi-solid formulation (cream) containing capsaicin 8% on myofascial pain syndrome patients. At the same time we evaluated the occurrence of cutaneous side effects related to the topic use of capsaicin, as well as the plasma capsaicin concentrations result of its use. Also the residual capsaicin concentration was tested in the formulations after 10 months of manufacturing. Methods: two formulations were developed: Fc1 (based cream formula) and Fc2 (cream formula base + capsaicin 8%). The formulations were submitted to microbiological tests, physical and chemical quality evaluation, as recommended by ANVISA. This prospective, randomized study was conducted in Pain Management and Palliative Care Service (TACP), Botucatu, Botucatu Medical School, UNESP. The 40 participating patients were assigned into two groups, Fc1 and Fc2. The clinical tests were carried out at the hospital; the creams were administered topically, as per assigned group, with the prior use of topical local anesthetic for 50 minutes. The trigger point (PG) that aroused more discomfort and pain on palpation was chosen for topical application of the formulations (10 g) in an enclosed area of about 24 mm and above this point. After 30 minutes the product was removed and parameters of the skin tolerability were evaluated. The pain was measured immediately before and during application of the ... / Doutor

Cenário clínico: A síndrome dolorosa miofascial (SDM), causa comum de dor musculoesquelética, pode ser incapacitante e desafiadora terapeuticamente, devido à ineficácia dos tratamentos convencionais para dor. Intervenções terapêuticas alternativas precisam ser pesquisadas para alcançar vias do processo de doença não contempladas com a terapêutica clássica. Dentre estas, o uso da melatonina, com efeitos cronobiótico, ansiolítico e analgésico, tem se apresentado como uma opção terapêutica atrativa no tratamento da SDM, que cursa com alterações de sono, dor, sintomas depressivos e de ansiedade. Objetivos: Avaliar a eficácia da melatonina exógena na redução da dor, no limiar de dor à pressão (LDP) e na qualidade de sono de pacientes com SDM facial. Métodos e Resultados: Um estudo randomizado, controlado foi realizado em 45 mulheres com dor miofascial, com idades entre 18 e 40 anos, segundo critérios Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder (RDC/TMD). A eficácia da melatonina oral foi avaliada na redução da dor e melhora tanto do limiar de dor a pressão (LDP) como da qualidade do sono. Os participantes foram randomizados para receber 5 mg / dia de melatonina, 5 mg / dia ciclobenzaprina, ou placebo durante um período de quatro semanas. O efeito absoluto das intervenções, apresentado como ES (tamanho do efeito) sobre a dor: placebo versus melatonina foi de 2,08 (1,17-2,97) e de ciclobenzaprina vs placebo foi de -1,25 (0,45-2,06)]. O número de pacientes necessários para tratar (NNT) para evitar a dor moderada a intensa foi 3 (95% CI, 2-4) e 18 (95% IC, 9 a a) nos grupos de melatonina e de ciclobenzaprina, respectivamente, em relação ao placebo. O ES no LDP melatonina vs placebo e ciclobenzaprina vs placebo foi de 2,72 (1,69-3,75) e 1,01 (0,23-1,79), respectivamente. O ES na escala visual analógica de Qualidade de Sono (VASQS) utilizada para avaliar a forma como as pacientes se sentiram ao acordar, durante o período de tratamento, foi nos grupos melatonina versus placebo de 2,47 (1,49-3,45) e 1,01 (0,23-1,79), respectivamente. Conclusão: Melatonina foi mais eficaz do que placebo para melhorar a dor miofascial crônica facial e ambos os tratamentos foram mais eficazes do que placebo para melhorar o LDP e a qualidade de sono. / Background: The Myofascial Pain Syndrome (SDM), a common cause of musculoskeletal pain, can course with disability and can be a therapeutical challenge, due to the ineffectiveness of conventional treatments for pain. Alternative therapeutic interventions must be researched to achieve the process of the disease process that in not dealt with the classical therapy. Among these, the use of melatonin, which takes effect chronobiotic, anxiolytic and analgesic, has been presented as an attractive therapeutic option in the treatment of SDM, which leads to sleep disturbances, pain, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Objectives: Evaluate the efficacy of exogenous melatonin in reducing pain, pain pressure threshold (PPT) and the sleep quality of patients with chronic myofascial face pain. Methods and Results: A randomized, controlled trial was conducted with 45 females, aged 18 to 40 years who presented myofascial pain according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder (RDC/TMD) guidelines. The efficacy of oral melatonin was evaluated in reducing pain and improving both the pain pressure threshold (PPT) and sleep quality. Participants were randomized to receive 5 mg/day melatonin, 5 mg/day cyclobenzaprine, or a placebo during a four-week period. The absolute effect of interventions, presented as ES (effect size) on pain for melatonin vs. placebo was 2.08 (1.17 to 2.97) and for cyclobenzaprine vs. placebo -1.25 (0.45 to 2.06)], respectively. The Number of Patients Needed to be Treated (NNT) to prevent moderate to intense pain was 3 (95% CI, 2 to 4) and 18 (95% CI, 9 to ) in the melatonin and cyclobenzaprine groups, respectively compared to the placebo. The ES on the PPT for melatonin vs. placebo and cyclobenzaprine vs. placebo was 2.72 (1.69 to 3.75) and 1.01 (0.23 to 1.79), respectively. The ES on the Visual Analog Sleep Quality Scale (VASQS) scores used to assess how they felt when they woke up during the treatment period for the melatonin vs. placebo were 2.47 (1.49 to 3.45) and 1.01 (0.23 to 1.79), respectively. Conclusion: Melatonin was more effective than placebo for improving chronic myofascial face pain and both treatments were more effective than placebo for improving sleep quality and the PPT.

Cenário clínico: A síndrome dolorosa miofascial (SDM) pode ser incapacitante e desafiadora terapeuticamente, devido à ineficácia dos tratamentos convencionais para a dor. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da estimulação intramuscular (EIM) na redução da dor e melhora da saúde física e mental de pacientes com SDM. Conduzimos um ensaio clínico randomizado controlado em 60 mulheres, com idades entre 20 e 40 anos, que foram randomizadas para receber EIM, infiltração com lidocaína e falsa eletroneuroestimulação transcutânea (TENS-placebo), duas vezes por semana, durante 4 semanas. Resultados: A redução do percentual de alívio de dor observada na escala análogo-visual de dor (EAVD) durante a primeira semana após o final do tratamento no grupo TENS-placebo foi de 14,01 [intervalo de confiança (IC) 95%; 2,89 a 25,12], o que foi significativamente menor em comparação com o observado nos grupos de infiltração com lidocaína e de EIM, de 43,86% [IC 95%; 26,64 a 61,08] e de 49,74% (IC 95%, 28,95 a 70,54), respectivamente. O tamanho do efeito (TE) sobre a dor, na comparação de TENS-placebo com a EIM e infiltração com lidocaína foi de 1,48 [IC 95%; 0,76 a 2,19] e de 1,20 [0,43 a 1,40], respectivamente. O tamanho do efeito (TE) sobre a dor, na comparação de TENS-placebo com a EIM e infiltração com lidocaína foi de 1,48 [IC 95%; 0,76 a 2,19] e de 1,20 [0,43 a 1,40], respectivamente. A EIM melhorou significativamente os escores da saúde física e mental e o limiar de dor à pressão (LDP). Valores baixos do LDP, antes do tratamento, preveem uma redução do risco de 43% para apresentar um TE pequeno/moderado na dor no grupo da EIM e atitudes positivas, em todas intervenções, aumentaram a probabilidade para uma redução significante na intensidade da dor relatada.. Conclusões: A EIM foi mais efetiva do que o TENS-placebo e pelo menos equivalente à infiltração com lidocaína no tratamento da SDM e na melhora dos sintomas depressivos e da saúde física e mental. / Background: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) can be disabling and therapeutically challenging, because of the inefficacy of traditional pain treatment. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intramuscular stimulation (IMS) in reducing pain and improving physical and mental health in patientes with MPS. Methods: We conducted a controlled trial in 60 females, aged 20 to 40 years, where the participants were randomized to receive IMS, lidocaine infiltration or TENS-placebo twice a week for 4 weeks. Results: The reduction in the percent pain on a VAS (Visual Analogue-Scale) after the end of the first week of treatment in the TENSplacebo group was 14.01 [95% confidence interval (CI); 2.89 to 25.12], which was significantly lower than for the lidocaine infiltration and IMS groups, which reported 43.86% [95% CI; 26.64 to 61.08] and 49.74 % (95% CI, 28.95 to 70.54), respectively. The ES (effect size) on pain comparing TENS-placebo vs. IMS and TENS-placebo vs. lidocaine-infiltration were 1.48 [95% CI; 0.76 to 2.19] and 1.20 [0.43 to 1.40], respectively. IMS significantly improved the mental and physical health scores and the PPT. Lower PPT values pretreatment predicted a reduction of the risk by 43% of the small/moderate ES in terms of pain in the IMS group and positive attitudes, in all interventions, improved the probability a significant reduction in current pain intensity. Conclusions: IMS was more effective than TENS-placebo and at least equivalent to lidocaine infiltration in treating MPS and improving physical and mental health.

Cenário clínico: A síndrome dolorosa miofascial (SDM) pode ser incapacitante e desafiadora terapeuticamente, devido à ineficácia dos tratamentos convencionais para a dor. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da estimulação intramuscular (EIM) na redução da dor e melhora da saúde física e mental de pacientes com SDM. Conduzimos um ensaio clínico randomizado controlado em 60 mulheres, com idades entre 20 e 40 anos, que foram randomizadas para receber EIM, infiltração com lidocaína e falsa eletroneuroestimulação transcutânea (TENS-placebo), duas vezes por semana, durante 4 semanas. Resultados: A redução do percentual de alívio de dor observada na escala análogo-visual de dor (EAVD) durante a primeira semana após o final do tratamento no grupo TENS-placebo foi de 14,01 [intervalo de confiança (IC) 95%; 2,89 a 25,12], o que foi significativamente menor em comparação com o observado nos grupos de infiltração com lidocaína e de EIM, de 43,86% [IC 95%; 26,64 a 61,08] e de 49,74% (IC 95%, 28,95 a 70,54), respectivamente. O tamanho do efeito (TE) sobre a dor, na comparação de TENS-placebo com a EIM e infiltração com lidocaína foi de 1,48 [IC 95%; 0,76 a 2,19] e de 1,20 [0,43 a 1,40], respectivamente. O tamanho do efeito (TE) sobre a dor, na comparação de TENS-placebo com a EIM e infiltração com lidocaína foi de 1,48 [IC 95%; 0,76 a 2,19] e de 1,20 [0,43 a 1,40], respectivamente. A EIM melhorou significativamente os escores da saúde física e mental e o limiar de dor à pressão (LDP). Valores baixos do LDP, antes do tratamento, preveem uma redução do risco de 43% para apresentar um TE pequeno/moderado na dor no grupo da EIM e atitudes positivas, em todas intervenções, aumentaram a probabilidade para uma redução significante na intensidade da dor relatada.. Conclusões: A EIM foi mais efetiva do que o TENS-placebo e pelo menos equivalente à infiltração com lidocaína no tratamento da SDM e na melhora dos sintomas depressivos e da saúde física e mental. / Background: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) can be disabling and therapeutically challenging, because of the inefficacy of traditional pain treatment. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intramuscular stimulation (IMS) in reducing pain and improving physical and mental health in patientes with MPS. Methods: We conducted a controlled trial in 60 females, aged 20 to 40 years, where the participants were randomized to receive IMS, lidocaine infiltration or TENS-placebo twice a week for 4 weeks. Results: The reduction in the percent pain on a VAS (Visual Analogue-Scale) after the end of the first week of treatment in the TENSplacebo group was 14.01 [95% confidence interval (CI); 2.89 to 25.12], which was significantly lower than for the lidocaine infiltration and IMS groups, which reported 43.86% [95% CI; 26.64 to 61.08] and 49.74 % (95% CI, 28.95 to 70.54), respectively. The ES (effect size) on pain comparing TENS-placebo vs. IMS and TENS-placebo vs. lidocaine-infiltration were 1.48 [95% CI; 0.76 to 2.19] and 1.20 [0.43 to 1.40], respectively. IMS significantly improved the mental and physical health scores and the PPT. Lower PPT values pretreatment predicted a reduction of the risk by 43% of the small/moderate ES in terms of pain in the IMS group and positive attitudes, in all interventions, improved the probability a significant reduction in current pain intensity. Conclusions: IMS was more effective than TENS-placebo and at least equivalent to lidocaine infiltration in treating MPS and improving physical and mental health.

Cenário clínico: A síndrome dolorosa miofascial (SDM), causa comum de dor musculoesquelética, pode ser incapacitante e desafiadora terapeuticamente, devido à ineficácia dos tratamentos convencionais para dor. Intervenções terapêuticas alternativas precisam ser pesquisadas para alcançar vias do processo de doença não contempladas com a terapêutica clássica. Dentre estas, o uso da melatonina, com efeitos cronobiótico, ansiolítico e analgésico, tem se apresentado como uma opção terapêutica atrativa no tratamento da SDM, que cursa com alterações de sono, dor, sintomas depressivos e de ansiedade. Objetivos: Avaliar a eficácia da melatonina exógena na redução da dor, no limiar de dor à pressão (LDP) e na qualidade de sono de pacientes com SDM facial. Métodos e Resultados: Um estudo randomizado, controlado foi realizado em 45 mulheres com dor miofascial, com idades entre 18 e 40 anos, segundo critérios Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder (RDC/TMD). A eficácia da melatonina oral foi avaliada na redução da dor e melhora tanto do limiar de dor a pressão (LDP) como da qualidade do sono. Os participantes foram randomizados para receber 5 mg / dia de melatonina, 5 mg / dia ciclobenzaprina, ou placebo durante um período de quatro semanas. O efeito absoluto das intervenções, apresentado como ES (tamanho do efeito) sobre a dor: placebo versus melatonina foi de 2,08 (1,17-2,97) e de ciclobenzaprina vs placebo foi de -1,25 (0,45-2,06)]. O número de pacientes necessários para tratar (NNT) para evitar a dor moderada a intensa foi 3 (95% CI, 2-4) e 18 (95% IC, 9 a a) nos grupos de melatonina e de ciclobenzaprina, respectivamente, em relação ao placebo. O ES no LDP melatonina vs placebo e ciclobenzaprina vs placebo foi de 2,72 (1,69-3,75) e 1,01 (0,23-1,79), respectivamente. O ES na escala visual analógica de Qualidade de Sono (VASQS) utilizada para avaliar a forma como as pacientes se sentiram ao acordar, durante o período de tratamento, foi nos grupos melatonina versus placebo de 2,47 (1,49-3,45) e 1,01 (0,23-1,79), respectivamente. Conclusão: Melatonina foi mais eficaz do que placebo para melhorar a dor miofascial crônica facial e ambos os tratamentos foram mais eficazes do que placebo para melhorar o LDP e a qualidade de sono. / Background: The Myofascial Pain Syndrome (SDM), a common cause of musculoskeletal pain, can course with disability and can be a therapeutical challenge, due to the ineffectiveness of conventional treatments for pain. Alternative therapeutic interventions must be researched to achieve the process of the disease process that in not dealt with the classical therapy. Among these, the use of melatonin, which takes effect chronobiotic, anxiolytic and analgesic, has been presented as an attractive therapeutic option in the treatment of SDM, which leads to sleep disturbances, pain, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Objectives: Evaluate the efficacy of exogenous melatonin in reducing pain, pain pressure threshold (PPT) and the sleep quality of patients with chronic myofascial face pain. Methods and Results: A randomized, controlled trial was conducted with 45 females, aged 18 to 40 years who presented myofascial pain according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder (RDC/TMD) guidelines. The efficacy of oral melatonin was evaluated in reducing pain and improving both the pain pressure threshold (PPT) and sleep quality. Participants were randomized to receive 5 mg/day melatonin, 5 mg/day cyclobenzaprine, or a placebo during a four-week period. The absolute effect of interventions, presented as ES (effect size) on pain for melatonin vs. placebo was 2.08 (1.17 to 2.97) and for cyclobenzaprine vs. placebo -1.25 (0.45 to 2.06)], respectively. The Number of Patients Needed to be Treated (NNT) to prevent moderate to intense pain was 3 (95% CI, 2 to 4) and 18 (95% CI, 9 to ) in the melatonin and cyclobenzaprine groups, respectively compared to the placebo. The ES on the PPT for melatonin vs. placebo and cyclobenzaprine vs. placebo was 2.72 (1.69 to 3.75) and 1.01 (0.23 to 1.79), respectively. The ES on the Visual Analog Sleep Quality Scale (VASQS) scores used to assess how they felt when they woke up during the treatment period for the melatonin vs. placebo were 2.47 (1.49 to 3.45) and 1.01 (0.23 to 1.79), respectively. Conclusion: Melatonin was more effective than placebo for improving chronic myofascial face pain and both treatments were more effective than placebo for improving sleep quality and the PPT.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Doctoral Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2018. / Introduction: Myofascial pain syndrome is a condition of collective sensory, motor and autonomic symptoms caused by myofascial trigger points, which are hyper-irritable foci in a muscle and palpated as a taut, tender, ropey band. There are many types of treatment for myofascial pain syndrome; dry needling is one of the most effective forms. Dry needling involves the insertion of a needle into the myofascial trigger points in order to break up the contractile elements and any somatic components that may contribute to trigger point hyperactivity, and to stimulate sensitive nerve ending in the area. Although therapeutic, an unpleasant side effect of dry needling is the post-needling soreness. Various modalities have been utilised to decrease post-needling soreness, such as ice, heat and action potential simulation, to mention a few, however no study has been conducted to date that documents low intensity laser therapy and its effect on post-needling soreness. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the effect of low intensity laser therapy on post-needling soreness in trigger point 2 of the upper trapezius muscle. Methodology: This study was designed as a randomised, controlled pre-test and post-test experimental trial. Forty participants were randomly allocated into two equal groups of 20 participants each. Group 1 received the needling and laser therapy; Group 2 received needling and placebo laser. Algometer and Numerical Pain Rating Scale 11 (NRS 11) readings were taken immediately before the dry needling procedure; after the laser or placebo laser therapy; and again, at the follow-up visit 24 hours later. Subjects used a 24- hour pain diary which was completed at three-hour intervals, to record any post-needling soreness. The NRS 11 scale was used immediately before the needling and again at the follow-up visit 24 hours later. Results: Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 24.0 to conduct inferential and deductive statistics. A significance of p=0.05 was set. Baseline demographics and outcome measurements were compared between the two groups using t-tests or ANOVA where appropriate. An inter-group analysis revealed that objectively and subjectively all groups experienced some degree of post-needling soreness, which deceased significantly over time. This decrease of pain was not significantly related to the treatment group, and there is no evidence of the differential time effect with the treatment. An inter-group analysis yielded no statistically significant results regarding the effectiveness of the treatments received by the patients. This could be because of the small sample size or because low intensity laser therapy is not a useful intervention. Conclusion: The results from this study revealed that both treatment groups responded equally in the alleviation of pain. It can thus be concluded that low intensity laser therapy had no significant beneficial effects on post-needling soreness. / M