Dry Needling for Knee Pain
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial is testing dry needling for knee pain relief in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. The treatment involves inserting small needles into muscles to help them relax and reduce pain. The study aims to see if this method improves pain, muscle strength, and leg function.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot be actively receiving treatment for knee pain outside of the study while enrolled.
How does dry needling treatment for knee pain differ from other treatments?
Dry needling is unique because it involves inserting thin needles into specific muscle areas called trigger points to relieve pain and improve function, unlike other treatments that may rely on medication or physical therapy alone. It can be particularly effective for those who have not responded to conventional treatments, as it targets the muscle's electrical activity to reduce pain.12345
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Dry Needling for Knee Pain?
Who Is on the Research Team?
Matthew S Briggs, DPT, PhD
Principal Investigator
Ohio State University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals aged 18-40 with knee pain around the patella when doing activities like stairs, squatting, or running for at least 3 months. They must be referred for physical therapy and not currently receiving other treatments for knee pain. People can't join if they have bilateral knee syndrome, recent surgery or PT treatment, pregnancy, neurological conditions affecting movement, needle phobias, bleeding disorders, cancer diagnosis or systemic illnesses.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive dry needling or sham dry needling to the gluteal and/or quadriceps muscles over 2 consecutive weeks in addition to standard physical therapy
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in pain, muscle performance, and function after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Dry Needling
Dry Needling is already approved in United Kingdom, United States for the following indications:
- Knee osteoarthritis pain management
- Muscle strength improvement
- Leg function enhancement
- Chronic knee pain relief
- Musculoskeletal pain management
- Myofascial pain syndrome treatment
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Ohio State University
Lead Sponsor