Dry Needling for Knee Pain
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests whether dry needling can reduce knee pain and improve muscle strength and leg function. Dry needling uses small needles to relax muscles and ease pain. Participants will receive either dry needling, sham (placebo) dry needling, or standard physical therapy. The study seeks individuals who have experienced knee pain around the kneecap for at least three months, particularly when using stairs, squatting, or running. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative treatment options for knee pain.
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.
What prior data suggests that dry needling is safe for knee pain management?
Research shows that dry needling is generally safe and well-tolerated. Studies have found it can effectively reduce pain. For example, one study found that dry needling lowers pain levels more effectively than no treatment or a placebo. Another study suggested it might help with pain and disability related to knee problems.
Although dry needling is not a new technique, researchers are testing it for specific uses, such as alleviating knee pain. Current research indicates it can decrease pain and increase comfort. No major reports of serious side effects have emerged, making it a promising option for those considering this treatment.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using dry needling for knee pain because it targets specific muscle groups to potentially provide relief more directly than standard physical therapy options. Standard treatments for knee pain often involve medications or exercises that work on a broader scale, whereas dry needling focuses on releasing tension in particular muscles like the quadriceps and gluteal muscles. This precise approach may offer quicker and more effective relief by directly addressing muscle dysfunction. Additionally, dry needling is considered minimally invasive, which might make it an attractive alternative for those seeking non-surgical options.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for knee pain?
Research shows that dry needling can reduce knee pain and improve knee function. In this trial, participants will receive different treatments. One group will receive dry needling to the thigh muscles (quadriceps), which studies indicate can decrease pain and enhance muscle coordination. Another group will receive dry needling to the buttocks muscles (gluteal muscles), which may reduce pain and improve physical function. Although the evidence is generally low to moderate, many cases have demonstrated its effectiveness for pain relief. Overall, dry needling might be a good option for those experiencing knee pain.13678
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