Deep dry needling of trigger points located in the lateral pterygoid muscle: Efficacy and safety of treatment for management of myofascial pain and temporomandibular dysfunction

Abstract

BackgroundTo determine whether deep dry needling (DDN) of trigger points (TPs) in the lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) would significantly reduce pain and improve function, compared with methocarbamol/paracetamol medication.Material and MethodsForty-eight patients with chronic myofascial pain located in the LPM were selected and randomly assigned to one of two groups (DDN test group, n=24; drug-treated control group, n=24). The test group received three applications of needling of the LPM once per week for three weeks, while control group patients were given two tablets of a methocarbamol/paracetamol combination every six hours for three weeks. Assessments were carried out pretreatment, 2 and 8 weeks after finishing the treatment.ResultsA statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was detected for both groups with respect to pain reduction at rest and with mastication, but the DDN test group had significantly better levels of pain reduction. Moreover, statistically significant differences (p<0.05) up to day 70 in the test group were seen with respect to maximum mouth opening, laterality and protrusion movements compared with pretreatment values. Pain reduction in the test group was greater as a function of pain intensity at baseline. The evaluation of efficacy as assessed both by patients/investigators was better for the test group. 41% of the patients receiving the combination drug treatment described unpleasant side effects (mostly drowsiness).ConclusionsDDN of TPs in the LPM showed better efficacy in reducing pain and improving maximum mouth opening, laterality, and protrusion movements compared with methocarbamol/paracetamol treatment. No adverse events were observed with respect to DDN. Key words: Myofascial pain syndrome, myofascial trigger points, deep dry needling, lateral pterygoid muscle, randomized controlled trial, temporomandibular disorders.

A Novel Case of Orofacial Pain Treated by Dry Needling Technique - A Case Report

“…A recent systematic review showed that there is a strong evidence for dry needling to have a positive effect on pain intensity [20]. Previously studies were done on masseter and lateral pterygoid dry needling and the results were very encouraging [21,22]. In our patient, we have given two sessions of dry needling treatment over masseter, lateral pterygoid, temporalis and sternocleidomastoid.…”

Nivel de satisfacción sobre la seguridad y complicaciones a cuatro años de la introducción de la técnica Microelectrólisis Percutánea (MEP®) Sport como práctica fisioterapéutica

“…The application of the MEP® technique is similar to that of dry needling (DN), since both use acupuncture needles. This technique is considered safe according to the study of Gonzalez-Perez et al 6 , meta-analysis and review of Liu et al 3 , or the review by Dunning et al 22 . Therefore, it is not surprising that 56.79% (159) of the participants had no complications and that only one case (0.36%) of significant complication was reported (Needle rupture, which must be removed by surgery) and none severe 21,[23][24][25] .…”

“…Although experimental research is the scientific objective, the use of surveys can provide information on the satisfaction of patients or those who apply a technique 5,6 .…”

Association of facial massage, dry needling, and laser therapy in Temporomandibular Disorder: case report

“…Gonzalez-Pérez et al (9) carried out a study with 48 patients with myofascial pain in the lateral pterygoid muscle. Their results showed that DN promoted local pain reduction and MMMA gain (maximum opening, lateralization, and protrusion) in patients presenting these symptoms.…”