Immediate Effects of Dry Needling on Pressure Pain Threshold in Rhomboid Muscle Myofascial Trigger Points: A Pre-Post Experimental Pilot Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46858/vimsjpt.7208Keywords:
Myofascial pain syndrome, Dry needling, Rhomboid muscle, Trigger point, Pressure pain threshold.Abstract
BACKGROUND: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterised by hyperirritable nodules within taut bands of skeletal muscle, known as myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). These trigger points are often implicated in upper back pain and postural dysfunction, with the rhomboid muscles playing a crucial role in stabilising the scapula. Dry needling (DN) has emerged as an effective intervention for deactivating MTrPs and providing immediate pain relief, yet limited evidence exists regarding its effects on the rhomboid muscle. Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate effects of a single session of dry needling on pressure pain threshold (PPT) in patients with active myofascial trigger points in the rhomboid muscle.
METHODS: A pre-post pilot study was conducted on 30 participants with active MTrPs in the rhomboid muscle. Pressure pain threshold was measured using a digital algometer at the identified trigger point site before and immediately after dry needling intervention. A single DN session was administered using static dry needling. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS : Data was analysed by using instat version 3.0 . A statistically significant increase in pressure pain threshold was observed immediately following dry needling intervention (p < 0.0001). The mean PPT increased from 42.316±5.578 N pre-intervention to 55.632±6.618 N post-intervention, reflecting an immediate reduction in local mechanical hyperalgesia at the treated MTrPs.
CONCLUSION : A single session of dry needling significantly increases pressure pain threshold in rhomboid muscle myofascial trigger points, suggesting its effectiveness as an immediate hypoalgesic intervention. These findings support the inclusion of dry needling in early-phase management of upper back myofascial pain syndromes involving scapular stabilizing muscles.
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