ABSTRACT
Background: Active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are major pain
generators in myofascial pain syndrome and have a significant impact on
the quality of life, pain and functional disability in the neck. dry needling
and integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique are two effective
technique used in the treatment of active MTrPs. Objective: to compare
between the effect of dry needling and integrated neuromuscular
inhibition technique on upper trapezius active MTrPs . Subjects and
Methods: Thirty patients participated in the study and were assigned
randomly into two equal groups; group (A) receieved dry needling and
passive stretching exercise while group (B) received integrated
neuromuscular inhibition technique and passive stretching exercise
.Measurment outcome included pressure pain threshold (PPT) which
measured by digital electronic pressure algometer and neck functiona
was measured by neck function disability index (NDI) and pain intensity
was measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) that were taken at the
beginning of the treatment period as pre- test measurement and at the end
of the treatment period ( 3weeks) as a post-test measurement. Results:
Both groups showed significant improvement in PPT, NDI and VAS post
treatment compared with that pre treatment (P < 0.001); however there
was significant increase in PPT and significant decrease in NDI and VAS
of group A compared with that of group B post treatment (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: According to the findings of the study dry needling was
more effective than integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique on the
management of upper trapezius active myofascial trigger points.
Key Words: Active myofascial trigger point, dry needling, integrated
neuromuscular inhibition technique, pressure pain threshold and neck
function disability