DRY NEEDLING IN THE THERAPY OF MUSCULO MUSCULO-FASCIAL TRIGGER POINTS

Myofascial pain is a common complaint reported by patients. A characteristic feature of this pain is the presence of trigger points, which are defined as hyperactive nodules. Trigger points can be active or latent. Active trigger points cause pain at rest as well as during movement, while latent trigger points only cause pain when the area is touched. The pain associated with trigger points is described as deep, distant and dull. It is often accompanied by a tingling or burning sensation. Patients often report, in addition to pain, changes in superficial and deep sensation, as well as the appearance of vegetative symptoms. The correct diagnosis is based on an accurate history and physical examination. The therapeutic methods used by physiotherapists to treat musculoskeletal pain include manual techniques, physical therapy, and other methods such as dry needling. Dry needling therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years. This therapy consists of pricking the affected areas with dry needles. This procedure leads to contraction of the muscle, causing the whole muscle to relax. Before starting the therapy, the patient should be made aware of the possible side effects. The most common include pain at the puncture site and haemorrhage, as well as syncopal reactions. Dry needling as a therapy for musculo-fascial trigger points was first applied by Karel Lewit in 1979. This marked the beginning of research into the effectiveness of dry needling therapy for trigger points. The following article discusses research on the effectiveness of dry needling in the therapy of musculo-fascial trigger points. It also focuses on comparing dry needling therapy with other therapies used by physiotherapists. Studies examining the effectiveness of short-term and long-term effects of dry needling were analysed. An attempt was made to check the incidence of side effects during the therapy