Effectiveness of Dry Needling and Stretching in Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) is characterized by widespread chronic musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and a range of psychosomatic symptoms. Non-pharmacological treatments, such as physical therapy, have shown promise in managing these symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of dry needling and stretching in reducing pain pressure thresholds, fatigue, and disability in fibromyalgia patients. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of dry needling and stretching in the treatment of fibromyalgia, specifically focusing on improvements in pain pressure thresholds, fatigue, and disability. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 10 female participants aged 35-55 years, diagnosed with fibromyalgia and scoring over 60 on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (Stretching) and Group B (Dry-Needling). Each group received two treatment sessions over six months. The Stretching protocol involved static stretching of major muscle groups, while the Dry-Needling protocol involved the insertion of thin filiform needles into tender points. Both groups also received routine physical therapy, including hot packs and ultrasound therapy. Data were collected using the FIQ before and after the interventions. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in FIQ scores after treatment. Group A (Stretching) had a mean pre-treatment FIQ score of 119.2 ± 11.0 and a post-treatment score of 105.8 ± 9.1 (p < 0.001). Group B (Dry-Needling) had a mean pre-treatment FIQ score of 120.8 ± 9.2 and a post-treatment score of 67.8 ± 4.0 (p < 0.001). The Dry-Needling group showed greater improvements across all measured parameters, including reductions in pain (t = 11.0, p < 0.001), fatigue (t = 14.0, p < 0.001), and sleep disturbances (t = 4.5, p = 0.010). Conclusion: Both dry needling and stretching significantly reduced pain, fatigue, and disability in fibromyalgia patients, with dry needling demonstrating greater efficacy. These findings support the inclusion of dry needling as an effective non-pharmacological treatment for fibromyalgia. Keywords: Fibromyalgia, Dry Needling, Stretching, Pain Management, Fatigue Reduction, Disability Improvement, Non-Pharmacological Treatment.