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Published in: Lasers in Medical Science 1/2023

01-12-2023 | Acupuncture | Original Article

Comparison of the effectiveness of dry needling and high-intensity laser therapy in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome: a randomized single-blind controlled study

Authors: Emine Dundar Ahi, Hulya Sirzai

Published in: Lasers in Medical Science | Issue 1/2023

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Abstract

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a very common disease in the population that seriously affects quality of life. Although many treatment modalities are used, there is still no common protocol. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and dry needling options. This prospective study included 108 patients with neck and/or upper back pain, diagnosed with MPS, who were randomly separated into 3 groups: the exercise group, the exercise + HILT group (HILT group), and the exercise + dry needling group (needling group). The visual analog scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), short form-36 (SF-36) scores, and neck range of motion (ROM) values of the patients before and after treatment were recorded and compared between the groups. In all 3 groups, the VAS and NDI scores decreased and ROM levels increased after treatment. The results in the HILT and needling groups were statistically significantly better than those of the exercise group (p < 0.05).The addition of HILT and dry needling to exercises is seen as a more successful treatment option to reduce pain in MPS. Clinical trial registration number: NCT05078333.
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Metadata
Title
Comparison of the effectiveness of dry needling and high-intensity laser therapy in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome: a randomized single-blind controlled study
Authors
Emine Dundar Ahi
Hulya Sirzai
Publication date
01-12-2023
Publisher
Springer London
Published in
Lasers in Medical Science / Issue 1/2023
Print ISSN: 0268-8921
Electronic ISSN: 1435-604X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-022-03687-w

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