The effects of cervical manipulation alone versus cervical manipulation combined with dry needling on biceps brachii strength

M.Tech. (Chiropractic)Abstract: Purpose: According to Brown (2013), tears in the biceps brachii muscle are being reported more frequently than in the past, but the reason is still unclear. Knowledge surrounding the optimal treatment is critical to improving biceps brachii muscle strength so as to prevent injuries. Latent trigger points are also recognised risk factors for causing muscle weakness potentially resulting in future injuries (Alvarez and Rockwell, 2002). The aim of this study is to compare the effects of cervical manipulation versus cervical manipulation combined with dry needling of the biceps brachii muscle on biceps brachii muscle strength. Design: Thirty participants between the ages of 18 and 50 years old presenting with C5 and C6 cervical facet dysfunction and biceps brachii latent trigger points were included in this study. The participants were randomly divided into two groups of 15 participants each (Group A and Group B). Group A received cervical spine manipulation and Group B received cervical spine manipulation as well as dry needing of the latent trigger point in the biceps brachii muscle. Each participant was treated three times over a period of three weeks. Measurements: All measurements were collected at the first, second and third consultations prior to treatment and on the fourth consultation where no treatment was performed. Objective measurements included algometric readings of pressure pain threshold of the biceps brachii muscle trigger points and biceps brachii strength was recorded using a Lafayette Manual Muscle Testing System. Results and Conclusion: Both Group A and Group B proved to have a statistical and clinical improvement overall. In comparing the statistically significant data for biceps brachii muscle strength in this study, it would appear that Group A responded better to treatment than Group B. Therefore it can be suggested that the combined treatment therapy with dry needling did not have an additive effect on biceps brachii muscle strength..