Comparison of dry needling and Graston technique on active myofascial trigger points in upper trapezius

Objective: To compare the effects of dry needling (DN) and Graston techniques (GR) in upper trapezius (UT) active myofascial trigger points (MTrP). Methodology: This Randomized control trial was conducted at Rawal General and Dental Hospital, Rawalpindi from January to June 2019. A purposive non-probability sampling technique was used. We included 30 patients with MTrP in UT who were randomly allocated by sealed envelope method in two groups; Dry needling (DN) and Graston (GR). Group DN received dry needling whereas Group GR received Graston technique. Both groups received conventional treatment with home plan exercises. All were assessed at Pre-test and Post-test using Neck disability index (NDI), Myofacial diagnostic scale (MDS), Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and Cervical Range of movement (CROM). The data were analyzed using SPSS 23. Results: Both groups showed significant improvement (p < 0.05) in all outcomes. Comparative analysis showed significant improvement in DN group (p < 0.05) in terms of MDS, NDI, NPRS and CROM with DN. Conclusion: Upper trapezius trigger points are more responsive to dry needling therapy resulting in better clinical outcomes like decrease in pain, improved neck movements and minimum activity limitation.

Automated summary

This study compared the effects of dry needling and Graston techniques on upper trapezius active myofascial trigger points. The results showed significant improvements in the dry needling group in terms of multiple outcome measures, including MDS, NDI, NPRS, and CROM. Upper trapezius trigger points are more responsive to dry needling therapy, leading to better clinical outcomes.