Quantitative proteomics analysis to identify biomarkers of chronic myofascial pain and therapeutic targets of dry needling in a rat model of myofascial trigger points

Background: Deep dry needling (DDN) and ischemic compression technic (ICT) may be considered as interventions used for the treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) in latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). The immediate effectiveness of both DDN and ICT on pressure pain threshold (PPT) and skin temperature of the latent MTrPs of the triceps surae has not yet been determined, especially in athletes due to their treatment requirements during training and competition. Objective: To compare the immediate efficacy between DDN and ICT in the latent MTrPs of triathletes considering PPT and thermography measurements. Method: A total sample of 34 triathletes was divided into two groups: DDN and ICT. The triathletes only received a treatment session of DDN (n = 17) or ICT (n = 17). PPT and skin temperature of the selected latent MTrPs were assessed before and after treatment. Results: Statistically significant differences between both groups were shown after treatment, showing a PPT reduction (p < 0.05) in the DDN group, while PPT values were maintained in the ICT group. There were not statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) for thermographic values before and treatment for both interventions. Conclusions: Findings of this study suggested that ICT could be more advisable than DDN regarding latent MTrPs local mechanosensitivity immediately after treatment due to the requirements of training and competition in athletes’ population. Nevertheless, further studies comparing both interventions in the long term should be carried out in this specific population due to the possible influence of delayed onset muscle soreness and muscle damage on PPT and thermography values secondary to the high level of training and competition.

Download Full-text

Dry-Needling is Effective in Treating Active Myofascial Trigger Points in Subjects with Chronic Myofascial Pain: A Prospective Trial

PM&R ◽

10.1016/j.pmrj.2013.08.517 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 5 ◽

pp. S289-S290

Author(s):

Naomi Lynn H. Gerber ◽

Katee Armstrong ◽

Jay P. Shah ◽

Juliana Heimur ◽

Paul Otto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Myofascial Pain ◽

Prospective Trial ◽

Trigger Points ◽

Dry Needling ◽

Myofascial Trigger Points

Download Full-text

Proteins and Signaling Pathways Response to Dry Needling Combined with Static Stretching Treatment for Chronic Myofascial Pain in a RAT Model: An Explorative Proteomic Study

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms20030564 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 564 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Lihui Li ◽

Qiangmin Huang ◽

Marco Barbero ◽

Lin Liu ◽

Thitham Nguyen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Signaling Pathways ◽

Rat Model ◽

Large Scale ◽

Myofascial Pain ◽

Dominant Role ◽

Mass Spectrometry Analysis ◽

Static Stretching ◽

Dry Needling ◽

Myofascial Trigger Points ◽

Network Analyses

A quantitative proteomic analysis of the response to dry needling combined with static stretching treatment was performed in a rat model of active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). 36 rats were divided into a model group (MG), a stretching group (SG) and a dry needling combined with stretching group (SDG). We performed three biological replicates to compare large-scale differential protein expression between groups by tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling technology based on nanoscale liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis (LC–MS/MS). Hierarchical clustering, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment and protein-protein interaction network analyses were performed for the general characterization of overall enriched proteins. For validation of the results of TMT, the candidate proteins were verified by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) analysis. 285 differentially expressed proteins between groups were identified and quantified. Tight junction pathway played a dominant role in dry needling combined with static stretching treatment for the rat model of active MTrPs. Three candidate proteins, namely actinin alpha 3, calsequestrin-1 and parvalbumin alpha, were further validated, consistent with the results of LC–MS/MS. This is the first proteomics-based study to report the therapeutic mechanism underlying dry needling and static stretching treatment for MTrPs. Further functional verification of the potential signaling pathways and the enriched proteins is warranted.

Download Full-text

Probable Mechanisms of Needling Therapies for Myofascial Pain Control

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2012/705327 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Li-Wei Chou ◽

Mu-Jung Kao ◽

Jaung-Geng Lin

Keyword(s):

Animal Studies ◽

Myofascial Pain ◽

Pain Syndrome ◽

Myofascial Pain Syndrome ◽

Trigger Points ◽

Dry Needling ◽

Myofascial Trigger Points ◽

Appropriate Treatment ◽

Clinical Pain ◽

Hormonal System

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) has been defined as a regional pain syndrome characterized by muscle pain caused by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) clinically. MTrP is defined as the hyperirritable spot in a palpable taut band of skeletal muscle fibers. Appropriate treatment to MTrPs can effectively relieve the clinical pain of MPS. Needling therapies, such as MTrP injection, dry needling, or acupuncture (AcP) can effectively eliminate pain immediately. AcP is probably the first reported technique in treating MPS patients with dry needling based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory. The possible mechanism of AcP analgesia were studied and published in recent decades. The analgesic effect of AcP is hypothesized to be related to immune, hormonal, and nervous systems. Compared to slow-acting hormonal system, nervous system acts in a faster manner. Given these complexities, AcP analgesia cannot be explained by any single mechanism. There are several principles for selection of acupoints based on the TCM principles: “Ah-Shi” point, proximal or remote acupoints on the meridian, and extra-meridian acupoints. Correlations between acupoints and MTrPs are discussed. Some clinical and animal studies of remote AcP for MTrPs and the possible mechanisms of remote effectiveness are reviewed and discussed.

Download Full-text

Study into the treatment of active myofascial trigger points using interferential current as an alternative to dry needling agitation

10.51415/10321/2804 ◽

1995 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Kevin Rodney Christie

Keyword(s):

Experimental Method ◽

Myofascial Pain ◽

Trigger Points ◽

Single Variable ◽

Dry Needling ◽

Myofascial Trigger Points ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Before And After ◽

Interferential Current ◽

Myofascial Pain And Dysfunction

The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of Interferential Current provided a non-invasive alternative to Dry Needling Agitation in the treatment of Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction Syndrome. A randomised Experimental Method of Single- Variable design was undertaken using the before-and-after-withcontrol design.

Download Full-text

Clinical criteria for the application of dry needling in myofascial pain Syndrome: An expert consensus document and a cross-sectional study among physical therapists

Revista Fisioterapia Invasiva ◽

10.1055/s-0039-3402788 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 02 (02) ◽

pp. 050-054

Author(s):

Nicolas Secorro ◽

Rafael Guerra ◽

Xavi Labraca ◽

Marc Lari ◽

Daniel Pecos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Therapy ◽

Myofascial Pain ◽

Panel Discussion ◽

Pain Syndrome ◽

Myofascial Pain Syndrome ◽

Trigger Points ◽

Dry Needling ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Myofascial Trigger Points ◽

Clinical Criteria

AbstractPresently, there is no clear consensus on the essential and confirmatory criteria which should govern the application of dry needling (DN) in the treatment of myofascial trigger points. The aim of this study was to generate a consensus on these criteria, via a panel discussion with DN experts which took place at the International Conference of Invasive Physical Therapy held in 2018, including the opinion of the attendees who participated in a live survey on the subject at the conference via an app. The results obtained reveal discrepancies regarding confirmatory criteria such as the elicitation of referred pain; nonetheless, consensus exists on the suitability of the application of individualized and personalized DN treatment and the combination of treatment with other intervention approaches in physical therapy, with the use of ultrasound when required to support a safer clinical practice.

Download Full-text

Remote Dose-Dependent Effects of Dry Needling at Distant Myofascial Trigger Spots of Rabbit Skeletal Muscles on Reduction of Substance P Levels of Proximal Muscle and Spinal Cords

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2014/982121 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Yueh-Ling Hsieh ◽

Chen-Chia Yang ◽

Szu-Yu Liu ◽

Li-Wei Chou ◽

Chang-Zern Hong

Keyword(s):

Substance P ◽

Myofascial Pain ◽

Biceps Femoris ◽

Trigger Points ◽

Proximal Muscle ◽

Dry Needling ◽

Myofascial Trigger Points ◽

Dorsal Horns ◽

Dose Dependent ◽

Rabbit Skeletal Muscles

Background. Dry needling at distant myofascial trigger points is an effective pain management in patients with myofascial pain. However, the biochemical effects of remote dry needling are not well understood. This study evaluates the remote effects of dry needling with different dosages on the expressions of substance P (SP) in the proximal muscle, spinal dorsal horns of rabbits.Methods. Male New Zealand rabbits (2.5–3.0 kg) received dry needling at myofascial trigger spots of a gastrocnemius (distant muscle) in one (1D) or five sessions (5D). Bilateral biceps femoris (proximal muscles) and superficial laminaes of L5-S2, T2-T5, and C2-C5 were sampled immediately and 5 days after dry needling to determine the levels of SP using immunohistochemistry and western blot.Results. Immediately after dry needling for 1D and 5D, the expressions of SP were significantly decreased in ipsilateral biceps femoris and bilateral spinal superficial laminaes (P<.05). Five days after dry needling, these reduced immunoactivities of SP were found only in animals receiving 5D dry needling (P<.05).Conclusions. This remote effect of dry needling involves the reduction of SP levels in proximal muscle and spinal superficial laminaes, which may be closely associated with the control of myofascial pain.

Download Full-text

The role of a dry needling technique in pain reduction

Journal of Health Sciences ◽

10.17532/jhsci.2018.610 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 128-139

Author(s):

Eldad Kaljić ◽

Namik Trtak ◽

Dijana Avdić ◽

Samir Bojičić ◽

Bakir Katana ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Pain Intensity ◽

Musculoskeletal Pain ◽

Myofascial Pain ◽

Pain Syndrome ◽

Trigger Points ◽

Pain Reduction ◽

Dry Needling ◽

Myofascial Trigger Points ◽

Randomized Controlled Studies

Introduction: Dry needling is a therapeutic procedure using the insertion of thin needles through the skin into myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), muscular or connective tissue with the aim to reduce pain intensity. The objective of this systematic review is to analyze the literature for the efficacy of the dry needle technique in pain reduction in conditions of musculoskeletal pain caused by MTrPs. Reference Sources: Web of Science, Scopus and EBSCOhost database were searched for studies and e-books published from January 2010 to December 2018. Studies Selection: We included randomized controlled studies, prospective and longitudinal studies, and case studies which analyzed the efficacy of dry needling for musculoskeletal pain reduction. Data Extraction Method: The studies, which satisfied criteria for inclusion were further analyzed. The primary instrument of the evaluation was pain intensity analyses. Results: Dry needling treatment is efficient in pain intensity reduction in patients who suffer musculoskeletal pain and is more efficient compared to sham dry needling treatment. In addition, different techniques of dry needling are efficient in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome. Conclusion: Based on systematic review of the literature, dry needling, independently or as an addition to other intervention, is recommended for treatment of musculoskeletal pain conditions caused by myofascial trigger points. Various techniques of dry needling treatment are almost equally efficient in myofascial pain intensity reduction.

Download Full-text