M.Tech. / Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether needling active trigger points in the upper fibres of the trapezius muscle, using myofascial deep dry needling versus superficial dry needling is effective in the treatment of Trapezius Myofascial Pain Syndrome. Method: Forty participants underwent a general screening to determine whether they have active myofascial trigger points in the upper fibres of the Trapezius muscle. The general screening was done by using a pincer grip technique to find the active trigger point within the trapezius. If the pincer grip revealed that there were active trigger points, the participant was suitable for this study. Each filled in a neck disability index and a pain rating scale, with algometer readings taken Pre and Post-treatment on visit 1 to visit 4. Algometer readings were taken at the active trigger point Pre and Post-treatment (subjective data). Each participant received either myofascial deep dry needling or superficial dry needling to the active trigger point. After the two week trial, the participants had to fill out a neck disability index and a pain rating scale for a second time in order to objectively measure the participants pain. Results: The results were interpreted by Statkon at the University of Johannesburg. The data was analysed using the Mann Whitney test and the Friedman test. According to the tests, both groups improved significantly in both the objective and subjective measurements over the four visits. Overall, the mean values for both the myofascial deep dry needling group and the superficial dry needling group were P = 0.001. The superficial dry needling group showed a further increase over a short term period in the objective and subjective measurements over each visit. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that both myofascial deep dry needling and superficial dry needling is effective and can be used in the treatment of Trapezius Myofascial Pain Syndrome. This study further indicated that superficial dry needling was shown to be a significantly effective treatment short term when compared to that of myofascial deep dry needling of active trigger points in the upper fibres of the Trapezius muscle

Title: The relationship between the occurrence of a trigger point in the soleus muscle and the functional impairment of the SI joint and the possibility of their mutual influence. Objectives/Aims: The aim is to write a summarization of facts based on a literature research on the complex problem of the trigger point phenomenon with a regard to their etiology and work out a pilot study to verify the relationship between the TrP and stiffness in soleus muscle and the functional impairment of the SI joint in terms of reduced joint play in the ipsilateral lower extremity. The experiment, based on objective results, is to answer the fundamental questions of whether patients with functional impairment of the SI joint leads to the formation of a TrP in the soleus muscle on the ipsilateral limb, whether the eventual dry needle therapy of a TrP in the soleus muscle will remove the malfunction of the ipsilateral SI joint, and vice versa, whether if by restoring joint play in the SI joint by mobilization therapy will have an effect on the muscle tone of the ipsilateral soleus muscle and remove the TRP. Methods: The incidence of TrP and the level of muscle tone was tested on 8 persons with functional impairment of the SI joint. Two even groups were formed. The first group had both a TrP in the soleus muscle and...

M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / Myofascial pain and dysfunction syndrome (MPDS) is presently considered to be the leading diagnosis amongst pain management physicians and the leading diagnosis amongst pain sufferers reporting to general practitioners (Harden, Bruehl, Gass, Niemiec & Barbick, 2000). The goal of dry needling and the other above mentioned soft tissue treatments is to alleviate the MTrP’s in the muscle, thereby restoring the muscle to its normal tissue mobility and returning it to proper functional capacity (Travell & Simons, 1999). A post-needling protocol may be used to reduce post-needling soreness at the needling site, to facilitate tissue repair after needling and to normalise muscle function and ROM after needling (Travell & Simons, 1999). The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of dry needling on its own and in combination with a widely prescribed post-needling protocol of heat, active range of motion (ROM) exercises and passive stretches, with regards to changes in pressure pain threshold, pain and cervical spine ranges of motion, to determine which the superior treatment is. Participants who went to the University of Johannesburg Chiropractic Day Clinic were eligible to participate in the study once they met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were recruited by means of word of mouth as well as with the use of advertisements that were placed around the respective campuses of the University of Johannesburg. Thirty participants were randomly assigned into one of two groups, each consisting of 15 participants. Group A received only dry needling to the upper trapezius muscle TP1 or TP2 whereas group B received dry needling to the upper trapezius muscle TP1 or TP2, moist heat, active ROM exercises and passive stretching of the upper trapezius muscles. Participants were treated for a total of 6 visits. Subjective and objective measurements were done at visits 1, 4 and a final visit 7 during which only measurements were taken.

Master's thesis topic: Objectification of selected rehabilitation techniques used to influence the muscle tone Author: Bc. Zuzana Pavelková Branch of study: TVS_B Disertation Tutor: PhDr. Petr Šifta, Ph.D. Year of Defense: 2012 Abstract: The aim of this study was to discover, whether four selected rehabillitation techniques (dry-needling application, cryotherapy, stretching and kinesiotaping) influence the muscle tone of musculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus. It was assumed, that above mentioned methods decrease the muscle tone of selected muscles, that was increased by previous running performance or owing to acute or chronic problems with Achilles tendon. The muscle tone was measured by myotonometer in Kinesiology laboratory, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport at Charles University in Prague; muscle tone of twelve students of thisfaculty was measured. Data were displayed by using an analog- digital convertor and consequently evaluated. The results of this study indicate, that four selected rehabillitation methods influence the muscle tone of musculus gastrocnemius and musculus soleus. The muscle tone was best influenced by application of dry-needling and by kinesiotaping; results of muscle tone measurement after dry-needling application and kinesiotaping confirmed above stated...

Avaliou-se a eficácia do tratamento através da técnica de agulhamento a seco, com injeção de lidocaína a 0,5% e injeção de lidocaína a 1% em pacientes portadores de dor miofascial e na presença de pontos-gatilho em músculos da mastigação. Foram selecionados 26 pacientes e divididos em três grupos: Grupo I: pacientes submetidos a injeção de lidocaína a 0,5%. Grupo II: Pacientes submetidos à injeção de lidocaína a 1%. Grupo III: Pacientes submetidos ao agulhamento a seco. Avaliou-se os pacientes através do limiar de dor a palpação (LDP) e da escala de análise visual de dor (EAV) nos períodos: inicial (antes da infiltração), imediatamente após a infiltração, 24 horas depois, 7, 15, 21 e 30 dias respectivamente. Os resultados foram coletados e analisados através do teste anova a 2 critérios adotando-se nível de significância de 0,05%. Onde houve diferenças estatísticas significantes, aplicou-se o Teste de Tukey. Não houve diferenças estatísticas significantes entre os três grupos quando comparados o LDP entre os grupos, porém houve diferenças significantes quando comparado o LDP ao longo do tempo, sendo que este aumentou significativamente. Em relação à EAV, acharam-se diferenças tanto entre os grupos quanto ao longo do tempo, sendo que o grupo X teve uma diminuição mais rápida do que os outros dois. Porém, ao final, todos os grupos tiveram reduções significantes e sem diferenças entre si. Conclui-se que todos os tratamentos foram eficazes na redução dos sintomas da dor miofascial no tempo avaliado, não havendo diferenças entre os tratamentos. / The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of trigger points injections using lidocaine 0,5%, lidocaine 1% and dry needling without any kind of home-based rehabilitation program. 26 patients with myofascial pain and trigger points in masticatory muscles. They were randomly assigned in three groups and received only one application session. The pressure pain threshold (PPT) was recorded before the injection, ten minutes after, 24 hours later, 7, 15, 21 end 30 days after the treatment. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to in all evaluation periods. There were no differences between groups for PPT. but for all groups, the PPT during the time significantly increased when compared the before treatment. VAS showed differences between groups and during the time. VAS was significant lower when compared 30 days to before treatment. Among the groups, 0,5% lidocaine ha the lowest VAS values when compared to the others, but at 30 days there were no differences among them. Despite the differences in VAS and considering there were no differences in PPT increases, we concluded that, in this study, all groups were able to disrupt the mechanisms of trigger point and relieve the myofascial pain symptoms.

Avaliou-se a eficácia do tratamento através da técnica de agulhamento a seco, com injeção de lidocaína a 0,5% e injeção de lidocaína a 1% em pacientes portadores de dor miofascial e na presença de pontos-gatilho em músculos da mastigação. Foram selecionados 26 pacientes e divididos em três grupos: Grupo I: pacientes submetidos a injeção de lidocaína a 0,5%. Grupo II: Pacientes submetidos à injeção de lidocaína a 1%. Grupo III: Pacientes submetidos ao agulhamento a seco. Avaliou-se os pacientes através do limiar de dor a palpação (LDP) e da escala de análise visual de dor (EAV) nos períodos: inicial (antes da infiltração), imediatamente após a infiltração, 24 horas depois, 7, 15, 21 e 30 dias respectivamente. Os resultados foram coletados e analisados através do teste anova a 2 critérios adotando-se nível de significância de 0,05%. Onde houve diferenças estatísticas significantes, aplicou-se o Teste de Tukey. Não houve diferenças estatísticas significantes entre os três grupos quando comparados o LDP entre os grupos, porém houve diferenças significantes quando comparado o LDP ao longo do tempo, sendo que este aumentou significativamente. Em relação à EAV, acharam-se diferenças tanto entre os grupos quanto ao longo do tempo, sendo que o grupo X teve uma diminuição mais rápida do que os outros dois. Porém, ao final, todos os grupos tiveram reduções significantes e sem diferenças entre si. Conclui-se que todos os tratamentos foram eficazes na redução dos sintomas da dor miofascial no tempo avaliado, não havendo diferenças entre os tratamentos. / The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of trigger points injections using lidocaine 0,5%, lidocaine 1% and dry needling without any kind of home-based rehabilitation program. 26 patients with myofascial pain and trigger points in masticatory muscles. They were randomly assigned in three groups and received only one application session. The pressure pain threshold (PPT) was recorded before the injection, ten minutes after, 24 hours later, 7, 15, 21 end 30 days after the treatment. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to in all evaluation periods. There were no differences between groups for PPT. but for all groups, the PPT during the time significantly increased when compared the before treatment. VAS showed differences between groups and during the time. VAS was significant lower when compared 30 days to before treatment. Among the groups, 0,5% lidocaine ha the lowest VAS values when compared to the others, but at 30 days there were no differences among them. Despite the differences in VAS and considering there were no differences in PPT increases, we concluded that, in this study, all groups were able to disrupt the mechanisms of trigger point and relieve the myofascial pain symptoms.

M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable point within a tight band of voluntary skeletal muscle. The condition causes levels of mild discomfort to intense pain to patients that usually results in loss of man hours and compulsory pain medication. Dry needling is the treatment of choice and other techniques are seldom considered. Dry needling therapy (DNT) is an effective tool in the chiropractic profession but comes with significant drawbacks, such as patients whom have needling phobias and patients who often experience post needling soreness are challenging to treat with DNT. Further and more serious risks include pneumothorax when needling the muscles over the lung fields, which also limits the treatment scope of DNT. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is non-invasive and non-threatening to patients and could serve as an alternative to DNT. This study therefore aimed, to determine if LLLT could be an alternative treatment to DNT by comparing DNT to LLLT on a target group that all have active trapezius trigger point two myofascial trigger points. The group consisted of 40 participants with posterior trapezius myofascial neck pain caused by active myofascial trapezius trigger points. Participants were then randomly divided into two groups. Group A (20 participants) would receive DNT to the active myofascialtrapezius trigger point two (TP2) and group B (20 participants) would receive LLLT also to the active myofascial trapezius TP2. Participants would then be treated according to a set protocol, over a two week period with a total of four treatments. Subjective and objective readings were taken and noted on the first, third and fifth visits. Subjective data was collected from the visual analogue scale and the Vernon-Minor neck pain and disability index questionnaires. Whereas the cervical range of motion (CROM) and algometer readings provided the objective data.

M.Tech. / This study was conducted to determine the effect of Sacroiliac joint adjustment to the restricted Sacroiliac joint in combination with myofascial dry needling to the active/latent Rectus Femoris muscle trigger point and Rectus Femoris myofascial dry needling on its own on Quadriceps Femoris muscle strength. Thirty participants between the ages of 18 and 40 years were recruited through the use of advertisements placed in and around the University of Johannesburg’s Chiropractic Day Clinic. Participants were assessed for exclusion criteria by performing a Full Case History, Pertinent Physical Examination, Lumbar Spine and Pelvis Regional Examination and S.O.A.P note. The participants who conformed to the specific inclusion criteria were accepted for this study. These participants were randomly placed into two groups of sixteen participants each. Group One receive Sacroiliac joint adjustment to the restricted Sacroiliac joint and ipsilateral myofascial dry needling of the Rectus Femoris muscle active/latent myofascial trigger points. Group two received myofascial dry needling of the Rectus Femoris muscle active/latent myofascial trigger point on the same side as the Sacroiliac joint restriction. Each participant received five treatments over a three week period, i.e. two treatments for the first two weeks and one follow-up treatment in the third week. The subjective data of the patients lower back pain was assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. The objective data was obtained from the Isometric Dynamometer measuring the Quadriceps Femoris muscle strength before and after each treatment. In addition the Algometer was used for measuring the pressure pain threshold of the Rectus Femoris trigger points. An analysis was performed using Repeated Measures Analysis, t-Test, Frequencis, Descriptives and Friedman’s Tests. The results of this study demonstrate that Sacroiliac joint adjustment to a restricted Sacroiliac joint with ipsilateral myofascial dry needling of the Rectus Femoris muscle showed a statistically significant, but temporary increase in Quadriceps Femoris muscle strength. Myofascial dry needling of the Rectus Femoris muscle on its own was found to be statistically insignificant for the increase in Quadriceps Femoris muscle strength.

M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / Neck pain is a common and costly complaint in society and many are made to believe that their neck pain is caused by pinched nerve, compressed disk, arthritis or displaced cervical vertebrae, when in reality the pain may be solely due to referral from myofascial trigger points in overworked or traumatized muscles of their upper back and shoulders. Travel and Simons (1999) demonstrated trapezius muscle of the neck, back and shoulder as the main cause of mechanical neck pain and stiffness. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of trigger point therapy using an activator instrument versus myofascial dry needling in combination with cervical spine adjustment in the treatment of those with acute or chronic neck pain associated with active trigger point 1 (TrP 1) or trigger point 2 (TrP 2) of upper trapezius muscle, with regards to pain and disability, pressure pain threshold and cervical spine range of motion. The clinical study consisted of forty participants, from the ages of 18 and 45, randomly allocated into two groups of twenty individuals each. Potential participants were examined and accepted based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Group 1 received activator trigger point therapy to upper trapezius TrP 1 or 2 with chiropractic adjustment to restricted segments of the cervical spine, and group 2 received myofascial dry needling of upper trapezius TrP 1 or 2 with chiropractic adjustment to restricted segments of the cervical spine. Participants were treated four times over a period of two weeks. Subjective data was collected using the Vernon-Mior Neck Pain and Disability Index and a Visual Analog Scale. Objective data was collected using an algometer to measure pressure pain threshold of trapezius TrPs muscles, and a goniometer to measure cervical spine range of motion. All data was collected at the first and third visits prior to treatment, and at the fifth visit. The statistical analysis was conducted using nonparametric tests. Friedman’s test was used to assess whether neck pain, disability, cervical spine range of motion and pressure pain threshold varied over the three time intervals. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Pair test was used for assessment of comparability of the results in each group separately, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of the accumulated data in the two groups.

M.Tech. (Chiropractic) / Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare dry needling with cervical spine manipulation combined with dry needling, in the treatment of infraspinatus muscle myofascial trigger points. Study Design: This was a randomized experimental study Setting: The participants were treated at the University of Johannesburg chiropractic day clinic Subjects: 30 participants volunteered for the study. The participants were divided into groups by randomly drawing thirty numbers from a hat, and placing them into two groups: either dry needling combined with spinal manipulation (group 1) or dry needling only (group 2). Participants had to be between eighteen and fifty years old and they could have been male or female. Participants had to present with active infraspinatus muscle myofascial trigger points and also had to present with shoulder or lateral arm pain reproduced by infraspinatus trigger point palpation. Method: Participants were either treated using dry needling only or dry needling combined with spinal manipulation. There were seven consultations. The first six consultations were treatment consultations. Measurements were taken at consultations one, four and seven. Results: The results indicate statistically that participants who had dry needling on its own had a faster increased pressure pain tolerance and a faster decrease in resting electrical activity of the muscle over the treatment period than those that recieved dry needling in combination with spinal manipulation. We must emphasize however that this did not show in the numerical pain rating scale. Participants felt a relatively even relief of their pain in both groups. These overall results might have been skewed by outliers in groups and a small demographic study size. The rest of the results were statistically insignificant, however there was a clinically desired therapeutic effect noted in both groups throughout the study. Conclusion: Dry needling only and dry needling combined with spinal manipulation, individually have desired therapeutic effects in the treatment of infraspinatus myofascial trigger points. There is however no conclusive statistical results in this study that shows one treatment protocol to have a greater therapeutic effect when compared to the other. However this study size was small and therefore the results may have been coincidental.