Synergistic effect of dry needling and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization in patellofemoral pain syndrome: a randomized controlled trial.

Study Summary

102 patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) were randomized to receive trigger point dry needling (TPDN), instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), combined TPDN and IASTM, or exercise therapy alone. All groups participated in a standardized exercise program. The primary outcome of interest was pressure pain threshold (PPT). The secondary outcome was knee pain and function, assessed using the Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks. Overall, the results of the study revealed that all three interventions significantly improved pain sensitivity and knee function compared with exercise therapy alone. Combined TPDN and IASTM produced the greatest improvement in PPT, although functional improvements were not significantly different between the three intervention groups. These findings suggested that combining dry needling and soft tissue mobilization with exercise therapy may provide additional short-term benefits for patients with PFPS.