Quantitative evaluation of therapeutic effect of silver needle thermal conduction therapy on myofascial trigger point

In clinical practice, silver needle thermal conduction therapy has a definite effect on myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). However, there is a lack of objective evidence to evaluate the efficacy of this therapy. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of silver needle thermal conduction therapy on MPS rats by objective therapeutic index.

MPS model was established by blunt strick combined with centrifugal running training. MPS rats were divided into model and treatment groups, with a synchronized control group. The model group received no treatment, whereas the treatment group underwent silver needle thermal conduction therapy. The T2 value and stiffness values were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging and sound touch elastography. The ultrastructure of muscle mitochondria was examined using transmission electron microscopy, and the Silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 3 (SIRT3) expression level was evaluated by western blotting.

T2 values and elastic modulus values in the treatment group were lower than those in the model group, and there was no difference between the treatment group and the control group. Mitochondrial damage was observed in the model group, and the degree of mitochondrial damage in the treatment group was less than that in the model group. SIRT3 expression in the treatment group was down-regulated compared with the normal group, but up-regulated compared with the model group.

The silver needle thermal conduction therapy demonstrates the ability to reduce muscle inflammation and stiffness and facilitate the repair of damaged muscle mitochondria.