Dry Needling and Muscle Stiffness

Effect of Intramuscular Dry Needling on Soft Tissue Stiffness and Pressure-pain Thresholds

The goal of this study is to investigate the effect of intramuscular dry needling (IMDN) on muscle stiffness and pain. Research has suggested that IMDN can reduce muscle stiffness in needled areas. As well, IMDN may reduce mechanical pain sensitivity experienced by individuals.

IMDN will be performed at several anatomical locations. Muscle stiffness will be measured with a handheld probe, which measures contact force and displacement of soft tissue. Pressure-pain thresholds (PPT) will be discovered at each region of interest. Stiffness and pressure-pain thresholds will be collected before and after IMDN. The data collected from this research is important to understand the mechanism of IMDN and its relationship to pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• over the age of 18
• pain-free in your lower back and lower legs

Exclusion Criteria:

• unable to communicate in English
• surgery of any kind in the lumbar spine or lower legs.
• participants with a skin condition that does not allow for hypoallergenic tape to be attached to their skin.
• have a BMI>25
• unable to hold your breath for 20 seconds
• contraindications to dry needling, i.e. pregnancy; fever or infection that is in your bloodstream; unstable compromised immune system; unstable bleeding disorders; presence at the site of DN of infection, an open wound , a burn, cellulitis, or an undiagnosed lump; post- mastectomy/lymph node removal in the affected limb; post-major surgery (3-6 month time period); presence of metal or plastic implant; absent sensation in area of planned DN; post-bacterial endocarditis or heart valve conditions/replacement without medical clearance for DN from medical doctor.