Dry needling versus manual therapy in patients with mechanical neck pain: a randomized control trial

Review written by Dr Sarah Haag info

Key Points

  1. Manual therapy plus exercise and dry needling plus exercise both offered some improvement in neck pain.
All key points available for members only
Start free trial Icon
Or log in here

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Neck pain is a musculoskeletal condition that is exceedingly common and impacts up to 70% of people at some point in their lifetime (1). Clinical practice guidelines for mechanical neck pain recommend a combination of exercise, manual therapy, and/or dry needling.

The objective of this study was to compare the short- and intermediate-term effects of exercise plus dry needling to exercise plus manual therapy on pain, disability, function, and global rating of change.

Neck pain is a musculoskeletal condition that is exceedingly common and impacts up to 70% of people at some point in their lifetime.
bulb
It is more reasonable to include manual therapy in a treatment plan for neck pain rather than dry needling.

METHODS

  • Participants were eligible for this therapist-blinded, randomized controlled trial if they presented to one of the study sites with a diagnosis of mechanical neck pain.
Start free trial Icon
to unlock full access to this review and 1109 more
Or log in here
Trustpilot