Dry Needling for Myofascial Pain: Prognostic Factors

Abstract Objectives: The study objectives were to evaluate outcomes in patients who have received dry needling treatments and to identify predictors of pain and disability. Design: The study was a prospective cohort follow-up design. Setting: The study was conducted at the Pain Clinic at Pingtung Christian Hospital, Taiwan. Subjects: Ninety-two (92) patients sick-listed for 3 months or longer for myofascial pain syndrome. Interventions: From February to October 2008, participants were treated at the pain clinic with dry needling of trigger points and muscle stretches of the involved muscles. Outcome measures: Data were collected by self-administered questionnaires to assess changes in pain intensity and pain interference. Data collection was performed at baseline and after 2, 4, and 8 weeks. Sociodemographic variables, symptom characteristics, and baseline outcome measures were analyzed using generalized estimating equation methodology. Results: The proposed dry-needling protocol reduced pain intensity an...