The aim of this study was to investigate whether dry needling is as effective as a corticosteroid injection regarding lateral hip pain and improving function in patients with GTPS.
Pain was measured using a numeric rating scale (NRS). The groups did not differ after 6 weeks of treatment. This indicates that dry needling is not inferior to a corticosteroid injection. There was also no difference in function between the 2 groups
Up until today, the mechanism of dry needling is not fully understood. Various studies have found a change in biochemical, neurologic, vascular, and clinical factors. Dry needling can also cause an increase in Substance-P and calcitonin gene-related peptide, which in its turn can cause a decrease in pain.
This study shows that dry needling is as effective as a corticosteroid injections. Dry needling has less side effects and may therefore be an alternative treatment option for GTPS. However, this study only had a 6-week follow-up, and it therefore remains unclear what the long term effects are.
> From: Brennan et al., J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 47 (2017-04-25 08:20:33) 232-239 . All rights reserved to Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. Click here for the online summary.
