Localization of Muscle Edema and Changes on Muscle Contractility After Dry Needling of Latent Trigger Points in the Gastrocnemius Muscle

摘要: Background Myofascial trigger points (TrPs) are hyperirritable spots within taut bands of skeletal muscles that elicit local and referred pain when stimulated. Among the variety techniques used for treating TrPs, dry needling (DN) is most commonly applied intervention. The physiological mechanisms underlying effects DN remain to be elucidated. Objective To examine changes in muscle after area where TrP located. Methods We measured vivo occur human one hour over a with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tensiomyography. study included 18 asymptomatic subjects latent medial gastrocnemius muscle, contralateral leg was as control. Results results showed MRI signal intensity significantly increased intervention, suggesting presence intramuscular edema. Tensiomyographic parameters higher stiffness an improvement contraction time DN. Conclusions This first showing edema muscle. Future research should focus on using therapy patients active TrPs monitoring occurring at longer follow-up techniques.