Can Dry-Needling Therapy Improve the Quality of Life for Athletes with Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
- Julian Simpson
- Apr 14, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: May 1, 2025
Can Dry-Needling Therapy Improve the Quality of Life for Athletes with Myofascial Pain Syndrome?
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a treatment modality that is minimally invasive, inexpensive, and easy to learn with proper training while posing a low risk of procedure-related complications. This technique has gained popularity in recent years due to its effectiveness in addressing various musculoskeletal issues. It is often utilized by physical therapists, chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals who have received specialized training in this area. The simplicity of the procedure, combined with its low cost, makes it an appealing option for both practitioners and patients looking for alternative pain management strategies.
Dry needling is defined as a medical intervention that uses a fine filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), muscles, and connective tissue to treat musculoskeletal pain disorders.
The procedure involves inserting the needle directly into the trigger points, which are hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscle that can lead to pain and dysfunction. By targeting these areas, dry needling can help release tension, improve blood flow, and promote healing, ultimately aiding in the reduction of pain and the restoration of normal function. This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions, sports injuries, and post-surgical recovery.
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a condition that needs to be dealt with by medical professionals worldwide. This syndrome is characterized by MTrPs and fascial constrictions, resulting from acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain, and often has a referred neuropathic component.
MPS can manifest in various ways, including localized pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion in the affected muscles. It can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and daily functioning, making it essential for healthcare providers to recognise and address this condition effectively.
Frequent physical activity of high volume and intensity, which is a requisite in professional sports, can imply a coinciding increase in associated risk factors, both external and internal, for the occurrence of MPS. Athletes who engage in rigorous training may be more susceptible to developing trigger points due to repetitive strain, inadequate recovery, or biomechanical imbalances. Understanding the relationship between high-intensity training and the development of myofascial pain is crucial for injury prevention and management strategies in athletic populations.
How common is muscle pain in athletes?
The prevalence of acute or chronic shoulder pain in handball players is between 36% and 44.2%. Such statistics highlight the significant burden of musculoskeletal pain among athletes, particularly in sports that require repetitive overhead movements. These injuries can hinder performance and may necessitate rehabilitation interventions to facilitate recovery and prevent recurrence.
Athletes with glenohumeral internal rotation deficit and increased external rotation are at greater risk of suffering from shoulder pain. This biomechanical imbalance can lead to increased stress on the shoulder joint and surrounding musculature, contributing to the development of pain and dysfunction. Addressing these deficits through targeted rehabilitation and preventive strategies is essential for maintaining optimal shoulder health in athletes.
Gastrocnemius injuries (calf muscle pain) are considered the most common conditions found in the lower limbs in athletes, with a 39% to 46% prevalence occurring in training or competition. These injuries can result from sudden increases in activity, inadequate warm-up, or improper footwear. Effective management and rehabilitation of calf injuries are critical to ensure a swift return to sport and to minimize the risk of future injuries.
Anterior knee pain (AKP), a widespread problem among young athletes, also has myofascial trigger points involved among its other etiologies. This condition can significantly impact an athlete's ability to participate in sports and physical activities, necessitating a comprehensive approach to treatment that may include dry needling, physical therapy, and strength training to address both the symptoms and underlying causes of the pain.
What effect does dry needling have on athletes?
The latest research has found that dry needling can help athletes with
physical functioning, enhancing their ability to perform daily activities and sports-specific tasks with greater ease and efficiency.
physical problems, providing relief from pain and discomfort associated with muscle tightness and dysfunction.
emotional problems, as managing pain, can lead to improved mood and decreased anxiety related to performance and injury.
social functioning, allowing athletes to engage more fully in team activities and social interactions without the limitations imposed by pain.
pain management, offering a viable alternative or complement to traditional pain relief methods, enabling athletes to maintain their training regimens.
mental health, as the reduction of pain and improvement in physical capabilities, can contribute to overall well-being and a positive outlook on athletic performance.
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Reference
Pavlović B, Toskić L, Cicović V, Cicović B, Stanković V. The Effects of Dry-Needling Therapy on the Quality of Life in Athletes with Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Repeated Measures Design Study. J Clin Med. 2024 Aug 23;13(17):4969. doi: 10.3390/jcm13174969. PMID: 39274182; PMCID: PMC11395707.
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