Low-level laser therapy versus myofascial dry needling of vastus lateralis myofascial trigger points

M.Tech. (Chiropractic)Abstract: PURPOSE: Myofascial pain syndrome is a common cause of discomfort and disability worldwide with various forms of literature to substantiate it. Myofascial pain syndrome is a condition that is characterised by the presence of myofascial trigger points. These trigger points often refer pain to different areas of the body. Pain associated with myofascial trigger points can present as an acute or chronic pain. This pain is often felt at a site distal from the origin of the trigger point and can be associated with many visceral and systemic conditions. This association between trigger points and other conditions often lead to misdiagnosis; for example, knee pain experienced over the patella or pain radiating distal on the lateral aspect of the calf. The purpose of this study was to determine whether myofascial dry needling or low-level laser therapy was superior in the treatment of myofascial trigger points of the vastus lateralis muscle. The aim of the study is to determine the efficacy of myofascial dry needling versus low level-laser therapy in the treatment of myofascial trigger points in the vastus lateralis muscle. DESIGN: A total of 30 participants participated in the research study and were randomly divided into two groups of 15 participants each. Group A received myofascial dry needling on active vastus lateralis muscle trigger points. Group B received low-level laser therapy on active vastus lateralis muscle trigger points. A total of six treatments sessions were required over a two-week period with a seventh measurement only session. MEASUREMENTS: Subjective data was collected by using the numerical pain-rating scale. Objective data was collected by using a hand-held pressure algometer on active vastus lateralis muscle trigger points. Data was collected on the first, fourth and seventh consultations. OUTCOMES: With regards to the subjective data readings, the results from the numerical pain-rating scale from the intragroup analysis, indicated that both groups improved over the treatment period, with neither group showing a statistically significant improvement over the other. The intergroup analysis showed no statistical significant difference between groups and showed that neither group was superior. With regards to the objective measurements, the intragroup analysis of the pressure algometer readings indicated that both treatment modalities are equally effective. There was no statistically significant difference with intergroup analysis. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the results showed that both myofascial dry needling and low-level laser therapy are equally effective in the treatment of myofascial trigger points of the vastus lateralis muscle..