Dry Needling and Muscle Stiffness

Effect of Intramuscular Dry Needling on Soft Tissue Stiffness and Pressure-pain Thresholds

NCT05538598•University of British Columbia

Summary

The goal of this study is to investigate the effect of intramuscular dry needling (IMDN) on muscle stiffness and pain. Research has suggested that IMDN can reduce muscle stiffness in needled areas. As well, IMDN may reduce mechanical pain sensitivity experienced by individuals. IMDN will be performed at several anatomical locations. Muscle stiffness will be measured with a handheld probe, which measures contact force and displacement of soft tissue. Pressure-pain thresholds (PPT) will be discovered at each region of interest. Stiffness and pressure-pain thresholds will be collected before and after IMDN. The data collected from this research is important to understand the mechanism of IMDN and its relationship to pain.

Eligibility

Age

18 - No limit years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Inclusion Criteria

•over the age of 18
•pain-free in your lower back and lower legs

Exclusion Criteria

•unable to communicate in English
•surgery of any kind in the lumbar spine or lower legs.
•participants with a skin condition that does not allow for hypoallergenic tape to be attached to their skin.
•have a BMI\>25
•unable to hold your breath for 20 seconds
•contraindications to dry needling, i.e. pregnancy; fever or infection that is in your bloodstream; unstable compromised immune system; unstable bleeding disorders; presence at the site of DN of infection, an open wound , a burn, cellulitis, or an undiagnosed lump; post- mastectomy/lymph node removal in the affected limb; post-major surgery (3-6 month time period); presence of metal or plastic implant; absent sensation in area of planned DN; post-bacterial endocarditis or heart valve conditions/replacement without medical clearance for DN from medical doctor.

Key Dates

Start Date

December 31, 2024

Primary Completion Date

September 1, 2025

Completion Date

December 1, 2025

Last Updated

December 13, 2024

Conditions

Muscle Tightness

Interventions

Intramuscular Dry Needling

PROCEDURE

Dynamic Stretching vs. Foam Rolling: Effects on Hamstring Flexibility and Muscle Oxygenation in Tight Hamstrings

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Hamstring ContracturesMuscle Relaxation+1 more

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COMPLETEDNA

Dry Needling & Trigger Point Compression Release in Neck Pain

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Neck PainTrigger Point Pain, Myofascial+3 more

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Data Source & Attribution

This clinical trial information is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

ClinicalTrials.gov last update: December 13, 2024Data synced to Clareo: March 29, 2026

Modifications: This data has been reformatted for display purposes. Eligibility criteria have been parsed into inclusion/exclusion sections. Location data has been geocoded to enable distance-based search. For the authoritative and most current information, please visit ClinicalTrials.gov.

Neither the United States Government nor Clareo Health make any warranties regarding the data. Check ClinicalTrials.gov frequently for updates.

View ClinicalTrials.gov Terms and Conditions

Dry Needling and Muscle Stiffness

Inclusion Criteria

Exclusion Criteria

Dynamic Stretching vs. Foam Rolling: Effects on Hamstring Flexibility and Muscle Oxygenation in Tight Hamstrings

Dry Needling & Trigger Point Compression Release in Neck Pain

Unilateral Stretch Crossover Effect RCT

Effects of Dynamic Soft Tissue Mobilization in Reducing Hamstring Tightness in Knee Osteoarthritis

Effect of Manual Technique on Hamstring Flexibility

The Effect of an Individualized Impairment-based, Orthopedic Physical Therapy Intervention (IOI), on Muscle Stiffness, Pelvic Floor Function, and Pain in Women With Chronic Pelvic Pain