Comparison of Dry Needling and IASTM on Hamstring Tightness in Posterior Pelvic Tilt

Comparative Effects of Dry Needling and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Hamstring Tightness in Patients With Posterior Pelvic Tilt.

The purpose of the study is to compare the effects of dry needling (DN) and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) on pain, range of motion, lower extremity functional status on hamstring tightness in patients with posterior pelvic tilt.

A study conducted analyzed the effects of a 3-week combined treatment using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) on chronic back pain. The findings showed that this short-term combined treatment led to reduced pain levels and improved motor function in Chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients. These results suggest that TENS and IASTM could be beneficial as a complementary approach for managing chronic low back pain.

In a randomized trial which shows the results by comparing the efficacy of dry needling (DN) and Graston techniques (GR) in treating upper trapezius myofascial trigger points. Both interventions, were administered twice a week for 2 weeks and when combined with conventional treatment and home exercises, showed significant improvements. However, DN demonstrated superior outcomes in terms of the myofascial diagnostic scale, neck disability index, pain rating, and cervical range of motion. These findings highlight the effectiveness of DN in targeting trigger points and optimizing clinical outcomes.

A notable lacuna persists in the literature concerning the effects of dry needling (DN) and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) on patients diagnosed with hamstring tightness and concurrent posterior pelvic tilt. The dearth of comparative research, inadequate incorporation of comprehensive outcome measures, and the paucity of studies targeting this specific patient cohort contribute to this research gap. Addressing this gap would yield valuable insights into the comparative efficacies and outcomes of DN and IASTM pertaining to pain modulation, range of motion enhancement and optimization of lower extremity functional status in this distinct population subset.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Lack of greater or equal to 20 degrees of supine active knee extension
• Passive SLR less or equal to 75 degrees
• Atraumatic back or knee pain greater or equal to 2 weeks
• Individuals willing to participate in the required treatment sessions and follow-up assessments
• Posterior pelvic tilt 8.9 standard deviation of 4.5 degree

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of herniated lumbar disc/radiculopathy
• Prior surgery in the hip, knee, or back
• Self-reported pregnancy
• History of blood borne pathogens/infectious disease/active infection
• Metal allergy
• Positive instability tests indicative of ligamentous tear
• Positive meniscal tests