Low-level laser therapy and dry needling for myofascial pain syndrome of the upper trapezius muscle: An interventional study

Myofascial pain syndrome is a frequently encountered musculoskeletal problem characterized by a hypersensitive trigger point. It presents with pain, increased pain threshold, and limited range of motion (ROM). This study compared the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy and dry needling to treat patients with myofascial pain syndrome. Men and women from 20 to 55 years of age with myofascial pain syndrome of the upper trapezius muscle and meeting the study criteria were randomly assigned to 4 weeks of low-level laser therapy three times weekly and dry needling once weekly. Responses were measured with a visual analog scale (VAS), pain threshold meter, and ROM of the cervical spine. Thirty-one patients completed the study, 15 received laser therapy, and 16 received dry needling. The median pretreatment VAS score was 6 in both groups. After 4 weeks of therapy, the severity of pain decreased in both groups. The decrease in VAS score was greater with low-level laser therapy than with dry needling, but the difference was not significant. Post treatment differences in pain threshold and cervical ROM were also not significant. Low-level laser treatment and dry needling were equally effective in reducing pain and increasing the pain threshold and cervical ROM in patients with myofascial pain syndrome of the upper trapezius muscle. Changes in VAS scores, pain tolerance values, and ROM were larger with low-level laser therapy than with dry needling.