The effectiveness of myofascial deep dry needling versus superficial dry needling in the treatment of Trapezius Myofascial Pain Syndrome

M.Tech.Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether needling active trigger points in the upper fibres of the trapezius muscle, using myofascial deep dry needling versus superficial dry needling is effective in the treatment of Trapezius Myofascial Pain Syndrome. Method: Forty participants underwent a general screening to determine whether they have active myofascial trigger points in the upper fibres of the Trapezius muscle. The general screening was done by using a pincer grip technique to find the active trigger point within the trapezius. If the pincer grip revealed that there were active trigger points, the participant was suitable for this study. Each filled in a neck disability index and a pain rating scale, with algometer readings taken Pre and Post-treatment on visit 1 to visit 4. Algometer readings were taken at the active trigger point Pre and Post-treatment (subjective data). Each participant received either myofascial deep dry needling or superficial dry needling to the active trigger point. After the two week trial, the participants had to fill out a neck disability index and a pain rating scale for a second time in order to objectively measure the participants pain. Results: The results were interpreted by Statkon at the University of Johannesburg. The data was analysed using the Mann Whitney test and the Friedman test. According to the tests, both groups improved significantly in both the objective and subjective measurements over the four visits. Overall, the mean values for both the myofascial deep dry needling group and the superficial dry needling group were P = 0.001. The superficial dry needling group showed a further increase over a short term period in the objective and subjective measurements over each visit. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that both myofascial deep dry needling and superficial dry needling is effective and can be used in the treatment of Trapezius Myofascial Pain Syndrome. This study further indicated that superficial dry needling was shown to be a significantly effective treatment short term when compared to that of myofascial deep dry needling of active trigger points in the upper fibres of the Trapezius muscl