Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the comparative effects of two different soft tissue approaches in the treatment of active peroneal trigger points. The data from the two different groups was analyzed to establish which soft tissue approach was the most effective in the treatment of active peroneal trigger points in a patient with a history of a chronic inversion ankle sprain. Method: This clinical trial was a quantitative, randomized study that was comparative in nature, of which 30 male and female participants between the ages 18 to 35 years o ld were recruited. This study used the stratification method of randomization according to age and gender. Upon meeting the criteria, participants were divided as they were recruited into two smaller groups of fifteen. Group A received dry needling while group B received shockwave therapy to the most active trigger point in the peroneal muscle group on the side of the chronic inversion ankle sprain. Treatment sessions were carried out over three weeks on alternate days with treatment proceeding on days 1 through 6. Perceived pain was measured using the NPRS, tenderness of the most active peroneal trigger point was measured using the pressure algometer and ankle range of motion was measured using the goniometer on visits 1, 4 and 7. Results: The analysis of Numerical Pain Rating Scale revealed a statistical significance. This indicates that both groups have significance clinically, as both groups were effective in decreasing perceived pain. As was the case with the analysis of the pain pressure algometer readings, both groups revealed a statistical significance, indicating that both groups have significance clinically, as both groups were effective in decreasing pain threshold. However, neither group showed a superior result in reducing perceived pain and pain threshold. As for range of motion, dry needling proved to have a clinical significance as group A yielded the superior results, showing an increase in ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion and inversion. Contrary, shockwave therapy proved to be clinically insignificant as there was only an increase in ankle inversion noted. Conclusion: To conclude, both treatment protocols were effective in reducing pain of the active peroneal trigger point. However, dry needling showed to be more effective than shockwave therapy in improving the overall range of motion of the ankle of participants who have a history of a chronic inversion ankle sprain.
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)