Abstract
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
Grastοn technique. Both groups received conventіοnal
treatment with home plan exercises. All were assessed
at Pre-test and Post-test using Neck disability index
(NDI), Myοfacіal 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.
Keywords: Myofascial trigger points, upper
trapezius, neck pain, dry needling, Graston therapy.
