Abstract
M.Tech.
This study aimed to determine the difference between the standard dry needling technique
versus the rapid dry needling technique with regards to which technique would provide quicker
relief of symptoms, as measured by an increase in participant’s pressure tolerance and range
of motion and a decrease in subjective pain. Subjectively it was seen that both groups had a statistical decrease in the participants
perceived pain with the Oswestry Disability Index, the McGill’s Pain Questionnaire and the
Numeral Pain Rating Scale. Both groups showed significant changes over the two time
variables (pre-Treatment one and post-Treatment four) with regards to all the questionnaires.
Group 2 showed the most significant change when comparing the two groups with regards to
the Oswestry Disability Index and the Numeral Pain Rating Scale.
From these results it is seen that subjectively all the participants felt relief with respect to their
perceived pain. However, objectively the rapid dry needling technique proved to improve pain
faster and more consistently throughout the treatment period over the standard intra-muscular
dry needling technique. Therefore the rapid dry needling technique is more effective in treating
active Gluteus medius muscle trigger points.