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Case Reports
. 2021 Jul;33(7):505-510.
doi: 10.1589/jpts.33.505. Epub 2021 Jul 1.

Dry needling for treating spasticity in multiple sclerosis

María Del Pilar Pérez-Trujillo  1 , Montserrat González-Platas  2 , María Yaiza Pérez-Martín  2 , María Consuelo Revert-Gironés  3 , Javier González-Platas  4
Affiliations
Case Reports

Dry needling for treating spasticity in multiple sclerosis

María Del Pilar Pérez-Trujillo et al. J Phys Ther Sci. 2021 Jul.

Abstract

[Purpose] The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of dry needling (DN) in the treatment of spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). [Participants and Methods] Twelve participants (3 males and 9 females) with MS, with no evidence of a relapse in the last four weeks and with an EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) greater than 2.5 points (related with pyramidal score) were recruited. DN was performed in lower limbs for 12 consecutive sessions and evaluated with: PSFS (Penn Spasm Frequency Scale), VAS (visual analogical scale) of spasticity, EDSS (Pyramidal item), Time up and go (TUG), 25 foot, 9hold peg test (9HPT) and the improvement or not in the quality of life (MSQol54) was verified before and after treatment. A follow up visit was carried out to assess improvement. [Results] All patients improved in: VAS scale, EDSS score, quality of life, 9HPT, 25 foot test and TUG and 90% of them showed a decrease in the number of spasms/hour (PSFS). [Conclusion] Dry needling produces positive changes in spasticity in patients with MS and their quality of life, as well as walking capacity and manual dexterity. Therefore, DN should be considered in the treatment of spasticity in patients with MS.

Keywords: Dry needling; Multiple sclerosis; Spasticity.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest associated with this manuscript.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Study schedule, which shows the dry puncture sessions and the explorations and questionnaires.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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