Effect of Dry Needling on Muscle Mechanical Properties and Muscle Contractility in Latent Trigger Points

Effects of Dry Needling on Stiffness in Latent Trigger Points a Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine whether application of Dry Needling (DN) is effective for improved Muscle Mechanical Properties and Muscle Contractility in Latent Trigger Points point (LTrP) of upper trapezius. Randomized controlled trial, in parallel with cross-control design. Two groups with LTrP in upper trapezius, and will be randomly selected to DN group or Sham-Dn group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18 and 30 years
• The presence of LTrP in the middle third of the upper trapezius muscle on the dominant side
• Being able to provide written informed consent
• Being able to follow instructions and realize clinical tests

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any pharmacological therapeutic
• Any medical treatment or physical therapies at cervical region during the 6-month before this study - Any diagnosed health problem
• Any history of head and upper extremity surgery or trauma
• Any red flags to DN, (ie: metabolic diseases, pregnancy, kinesiophobia, Infection, cancer)
• Absence of recurrent history of neck pain
• No neck pain symptomatology the previous 6 months
• Cervical disk herniation