Comparison of the immediate and delayed effects of two dry needle methods fast in fast out and winding in gastrocnemius muscle trigger points on lower extremity function and pain in non-professional athletes: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Introduction: The objective of this study was to compare two methods of dry needle treatment in active trigger points of Gastrocnemius muscle on pain and height jump in non-professional athletes. Materials and Methods: Forty male athletes were selected with active trigger points in each Gastrocnemius muscle. Relatively, subjects were assigned randomly in two conventional dry needle piston method groups and rotational method groups. Vertical jump and pain were evaluated before, after, the first, second and third days of intervention by visual analog scale and the motion analysis system. Results: There was a significant difference in pain intensity and jump height in both groups (P<0.001). Also, the behavior of pain intensity was different in the needle rotation group from the piston group (P<0.001). But the height of jump between the two groups was not significant (P=0.304) Conclusion: Needle rotation had a strong antinociceptive effect and little annoyance in trigger points. However, both techniques reduced pain and improved vertical jump in non-professional athletes with active trigger points in gastrocnemius muscle.