The Impact of Dry Needling on Electrophysiological and Ultrasound-based Biomarkers for Myofascial Pain

Pre-Screening:

Participants will be pre-screened to assess eligibility. The questionnaire can be completed on the phone, online in a survey, or in person. Medical records will also be reviewed. Eligible participants will schedule an on-site visit.

Study Visit #1:

In most cases the following sessions will occur on one day, unless due to scheduling conflicts separate sessions must be scheduled.

Eligibility & Screening: Baseline review of medical history and medication will be done to ensure eligibility. Informed consent will be taken from participants. Demographic data will be taken. This will take approximately one hour.

The following baseline procedures will occur:

Trigger point will be identified in the trapezius muscle, and marked with a marker by a physician.

Electrical Impedance Myography (EIM) - a trained technician will apply several small sticky pads (electrodes) to different parts of the subject's muscle and a very tiny electrical current will be applied that they will not feel. Several measurements will be done their muscle. This will take approximately 10 minutes

Ultrasound (US) - a trained technician will apply a small amount of gel to the skin. They will hold a small hand-held device on the skin and will measure the muscle. The gel is easily cleaned off of the skin when the testing is complete. This will take approximately 20 minutes.

Threshold Tracking (TT) - TT tests how quickly muscle responds to stimulation. The muscle is stimulated using a small needle which is placed superficially in their trapezius muscle. The subject will feel a small needle prick which should be less uncomfortable than having blood drawn. Electrodes (small sticky pads) are placed a short distance from the needle over the muscle. When their muscle is stimulated with the needle, the time it takes for the muscle to react is measured by the electrodes. This procedure will last 30 minutes and creates a tingling feeling.

Algometry - a controlled pressure will be applied to the trigger point to measure pain response. This will take 5 minutes.

Questionnaires- Subjects will be asked to complete some brief questionnaires about their pain, mood, and sleep.

Dry needling treatment or sham procedure will be administered by a physician. This will take 5-10 minutes.

Home Period:

Subjects will be asked to re-apply the marker spot made at their first visit as it fades. This is so investigators can use the same spot for testing at the next visit.

A pain survey will be taken daily either online, by phone, or on paper.

Study Visit #2:

This visit will occur approximately two weeks after the intervention. It will take around 2 hours.

Imaging and testing measures including EIM, TT, US, and algometry will be performed.

Questionnaires taken at baseline, and two additional ones, will be administered.

Adverse events and pain medication regimens will be reviewed.