Dry Needling Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis

Efficacy of Dry Needling for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Single-Blind and Randomized-Controlled Trial

The population affected by degenerative knee arthritis is very large. The investigator performed dry needle (DN) treatments with acupuncture needles. This experiment used a randomized single-blind experiment to assess the immediate, short-term and long-term effects of dry needle therapy on patellar pain in patients with degenerative arthritis.

The population affected by degenerative knee arthritis is very large. According to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the prevalence of osteoarthritis of the knee in Taiwan is about 3.5 million people, accounting for about 15% of the total population. Its effects are a heavy burden on socio-economic costs, and in addition to being included in medical expenses, serious cases can lead to incapacity to work; therefore, the disease is an important factor in causing disability and disability First, it is worth our attention.

The investigator performed dry needle (DN) treatments with acupuncture needles. Stimulating the effected muscle, the investigator move the needle forward and backward several times. Muscle twitch may occur by our procedure. The pain caused by myofascial trigger points can be decreased effective simultaneously. So far, there is no solid research or clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment yet.

For the reasons of the degenerative arthritis pain, the clinical observation is not entirely due to the cause of joint deformity or cartilage damage, soft tissue lesions around the knee is also a common source of pain, the use of dry needle for the diagnosis of soft tissue injury , And observed its efficacy, which is also the core of this study.

This experiment used a randomized single-blind experiment to assess the immediate, short-term and long-term effects of dry needle therapy on patellar pain in patients with degenerative arthritis. The assessment tools included the VAS, WOMAC , Lequesnes index, Gait speed test and the Muscle Tension Changes in the Lower Extremities.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Volunteers who are older than 50 years old and can cooperate with the experiment
2. Established diagnosis of unilateral or bilateral degenerative knee arthritis.
3. There is a local trigger point around the unilateral or bilateral knee joint which on the muscle of Vastus lateralis, Vastus medialis, Gastrocnemius, or Tibialis anterior.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. There are contraindications to general treatment, such as serious medical problems, recent serious trauma, or pregnant women.
2. There has been a history of drug abuse (including excess alcohol) that affects pain assessors.
3. Have received knee surgery.
4. People with central or peripheral nerve disease.
5. Cognitive impairment, unable to cooperate with the experimenter.
6. Patients currently receiving other treatments for knee osteoarthritis