DRY NEEDLING AND PHYSICAL THERAPY VERSUS PHYSICAL THERAPY ALONE FOLLOWING SHOULDER STABILIZATION REPAIR: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL.

Background: Post-operative range of motion (ROM) loss and pain can limit quality of life, prolong functional return to activity, and may be sport/career threatening. Dry needling (DN) is intended assist in the treatment of these complaints.

Purpose: To determine if the addition of upper quarter DN to a rehabilitation protocol is more effective in improving ROM, pain, and functional outcome scores when compared to a rehabilitation protocol alone after shoulder stabilization surgery.

Glenohumeral Dislocation With Engaging Hill-Sachs Lesion.

A 20-year-old military cadet injured his left shoulder after landing in an abducted and externally rotated arm position while participating in a mandatory obstacle course. Following examination, the individual was taken to the emergency department, where radiographs confirmed an anterior dislocation of the glenohumeral joint and a large Hill-Sachs lesion wedged on the glenoid. Results of noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging and a computed tomography scan confirmed the presence of a large Hill-Sachs lesion.

PERTINENT DRY NEEDLING CONSIDERATIONS FOR MINIMIZING ADVERSE EFFECTS - PART TWO.

Background: Dry needling (DN) is an evidence based treatment technique that is accepted and used by physical therapists in the United States. This clinical commentary is the second in a two-part series outlining some of the pertinent anatomy and other issues that are needed for optimal utilization of this treatment modality. Part one was an overview of the thorax with a summary of reported adverse effects (AEs) and the underlying anatomy that could be used to minimize patient risk.

PERTINENT DRY NEEDLING CONSIDERATIONS FOR MINIMIZING ADVERSE EFFECTS - PART ONE.

Background: Dry needling is an evidence-based treatment technique that is accepted and used by physical therapists in the United States. This treatment approach focuses on releasing or inactivating muscular trigger points to decrease pain, reduce muscle tension, and assist patients with an accelerated return to active rehabilitation.

Issue: While commonly used, the technique has some patient risk and value of the treatment should be based on benefit compared to the potential risk.