Toward an algorithm of percutaneous microelectrolysis: a randomized clinical trial on invasive techniques

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Percutaneous microelectrolysis (MEP) is a minimally invasive technique for pain relief and tissue repair.
• Optimal MEP treatment protocols for myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare dry needling and MEP, with and without an algorithm, for treating upper trapezius MTrPs.
• To evaluate the impact of an algorithmic approach on MEP effectiveness for pain reduction.

Main Methods:

• Eighty-eight participants with upper trapezius MTrPs were randomized into six groups: Sham, dynamic dry needling, static dry needling, dynamic MEP, static MEP, or algorithmic MEP.
• Pain was assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) at multiple time points post-intervention.

Main Results:

• All needling techniques, except dynamic dry needling compared to Sham, showed significant post-intervention NPRS score improvements.
• The algorithmic MEP group achieved complete pain relief by day 7.
• MEP groups exhibited lower PPT threshold values compared to other groups.

Conclusions:

• All tested needling techniques provide analgesic effects for MTrPs.
• Algorithm-enhanced MEP demonstrated the most significant improvement in self-reported pain.
• MEP did not demonstrate superiority over other methods in enhancing pressure pain thresholds.