Comparison of Dry Needling and Deep Friction Massage in Patients With Subacromial Pain Syndrome

The type of needle and the depth of the entrance varied depending on the estimated muscle thickness (0.25 - 25 mm, 0.25 - 30 mm and 0.25-40 mm). The disposable stainless-steel sterile needles were inserted through the skin over the trigger point in the taut band of muscle using the fast-in/out technique. Forward and backward needling was repeated until the local twitch responses were obtained. The depth of the needle was changed depending on the muscle thickness. After the first local twitch response, the needle was moved up and down 3 to 5 mm in only vertical directions until no more local twitch responses were elicited. After removing the needle, the insertion area was compressed with a piece of cotton

For supporting the normal healing conditions, the deep and transverse friction causes hyperaemia in the involved soft tissue, which results in increased blood flow to the area.