Physiotherapy in the Reduction of Post-needling Soreness
Condition: Dry Needling; Soreness, Muscle; Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial
MeSH terms: Myofascial Pain Syndromes; Myalgia
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      Dry needling is a minimally invasive technique which generates good results and neuromuscular
      benefits. Its application involves a highly prevalent effect called post-needling soreness.
      It is defined as a residual pain, located in the incision area, with a self-limiting period
      of 24-72 hours, as a result of a physiological process generated by the technique.

      So far, different clinical trials have been carried out to measure the effectiveness of
      several techniques for reducing post-needling soreness, reaching positive results. However,
      no studies have been found with the aim of distinguish which method is more effective for
      this goal; therefore, it is clear the need to continue investigating on the subject and
      comparing these techniques among them.
    

Detailed description: 
      Main objective. To figure out if one of the four techniques (isometric, concentric, eccentric
      contraction exercise and analytic passive stretching) is more effective for reducing post-
      needling soreness immediately, at 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours.

      Objectives. To verify if there is a correlation between independent variables and
      post-needling soreness.

      Study type. Non-blinded randomized clinical trial. Intervention. Dry needling on an active
      myofascial trigger point in superior trapezius, followed by one of the following treatments
      according to the specific group: 1) concentric contraction exercise, 2) isometric contraction
      exercise, 3) eccentric contraction exercise or 4) analytic passive stretching.
    

Intervention name(s): Concentric contraction exercise; Isometric contraction exercise; Eccentric contraction exercise; Analytic passive stretching
Intervention type(s): Other; Other; Other; Other
Intervention description(s): The participant will be placed in a standing position, with the shoulders positioned in the scapular plane. A medium stiffness Theraband elastic band will be placed between the participant's ipsilateral foot on the side on which the dry needling technique was applied and the acromio-clavicular joint on the same side.The exercise will consist of raising the shoulder against the resistance of the elastic band, slowly and for 5 seconds; The participant will be placed in a standing position, with the shoulders positioned in the scapular plane. A medium stiffness Theraband elastic band will be placed between the participant's ipsilateral foot on the side on which the dry needling technique was applied and the acromio-clavicular joint on the same side.The exercise will consist of raising the shoulder and maintaining the tension of the elastic band for 5 seconds; The participant will be placed in a standing position, with the shoulders positioned in the scapular plane. A medium stiffness Theraband elastic band will be placed between the participant's ipsilateral foot on the side on which the dry needling technique was applied and the acromio-clavicular joint on the same side.The exercise will consist of asking the participant to lower their shoulder, against the resistance of the elastic band, in a slow and controlled manner for 5 seconds.; The patient remains supine position. The analytical passive stretch of the upper trapezius will be performed only once, bringing the muscle to the limit of elastic tension perceived by the subject. The passive stretching technique will be held for 30 seconds.
Other intervention name(s): Muscle concentric contraction; Muscle isometric contraction; Muscle eccentric contraction; Muscle passive stretching
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Triple (Participant, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment