Treatment Time-frame Guideline for Dry Needling in the Lower Limb

Treatment Time-frame Guidelines for Myofascial Dry Needling of Latent Myofascial Trigger Points in the Muscles of the Lower Limb Kinetic Chain.

This study evaluates the impact of treating myofascial trigger points with a single session of dry needling on maximal isometric strength in the short term. Two groups will receive dry needling in separate muscle groups and a third group will receive no dry needling.

Dry needling is a effective treatment for myofascial trigger points. It is very common in a sporting environment. Strength is a key aspect of athletic performance. Despite the prevalence of dry needling within a sporting environment, the effects of dry needling on strength remains unknown.

This study will investigate the effects of dry needling on maximal isometric strength with a view to informing clinical practice amongst clinicians working in the elite sport setting.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Must have latent trigger points in their rectus femoris and gluteus maximus

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active trigger points in rectus femoris or gluteus maximus
• Participants with current injuries
• History of fibromyalgia or myofascial pain syndrome
• History of blood disorder which prevents dry needling
• Needle phobia
• History of surgery in the last 6 months