Immediate effect of stretched myofascial dry needling on the myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle: a case report

Background/Aims A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable spot, usually within a taut band of skeletal muscle, that is painful on compression and can cause motor dysfunction. The authors present a case report of a 21-year-old woman with myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle who reported a pre-assessment pain score of 7 on the visual analogue scale, a pressure pain threshold of 1.32 kg/cm(2) and a reduction in all cervical ranges of motion. To provide more immediate results in comparison to traditional dry needling, the upper trapezius muscle was kept in a stretched position and then dry needling was performed. Methods With the patient lying in the prone position, the therapist stretched the right upper trapezius muscle. Fast in-and-out movements of dry needling were performed to target multiple active myofascial trigger points until the first visible local twitch response occurred. Results Immediately after the procedure, the patient's pain level reduced to a score of 3 on the visual analogue scale, the patient's pressure pain threshold increased to 3.07 kg/cm(2), and cervical ranges of motions increased between 10 and 20 degrees. Conclusions Stretched myofascial dry needling is effective to treat symptoms immediately related to myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle, although further research is needed.