A comparative study between low level laser therapy and myofascial dry needling on active gluteus medius trigger points

M.Tech. (Chiropractic)Myofascial trigger points (MTrP’s) cause acute discomfort to intense pain and often lead to the use of pain medication as well as loss of man hours (Simons, Travell and Simons, 1999a; Tough, White, Cummings, Richards and Campbell, 2009). Dry needling is very effective and is widely used for the treatment of MTrP’s (Vulfsons, Ratmansky and Kalichman, 2012), but comes with various significant drawbacks, such as the experience of pain during or after treatment (post-needling soreness) or individuals with needle phobias (Unruh, Strong and Wright, 2002). More serious risks also exist, including damage to the viscera (Dommerholt and Fernández-de-las-Peñas, 2013). Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive technique and very little discomfort or pain is experienced by the patient during and after treatment. LLLT is effective in the short- and long-term relief of trigger points and myofascial pain syndrome. Therefore it can easily serve as an alternative to myofacial dry needling (Chow and Barnsley, 2005). This study aimed to determine whether LLLT or myofascial dry needling is more effective in the treatment of active MTrP’s, specifically those of the gluteus medius muscle. It also aimed to determine if LLLT could serve as an alternative treatment to dry needling in cases where dry needling is contraindicated or not desired. Thirty participants who complied with the inclusion criteria were divided into one of two groups. Group 1 (n=15) received dosages of LLLT directly to the active MTrP’s in the gluteus medius muscle and Group 2 (n=15) received myofascial dry needling to active MTrP’s in the gluteus medius muscle. Each participant attended 6 treatment sessions over a course of 2 weeks as well as a 7th measurements-only session