J Man Manip Ther. 2025 Dec 23:1-10. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2025.2607388. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the augmented effects of trigger point dry needling (TPDN) and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) on pain and function in patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

METHODS: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 102 participants (15-25 years) diagnosed with PFPS. Participants were randomly assigned to four groups: TPDN (n = 27), IASTM (n = 25), combined TPDN and IASTM (n = 26), and a control group (n = 24). The intervention groups received two treatment sessions per week for four consecutive weeks, in addition to a standardized exercise program for all groups. Primary (pressure pain threshold, PPT) and secondary (Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale, AKPS) outcomes were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.

RESULTS: Combined TPDN+IASTM demonstrated superior improvements in both outcomes: PPT increased by 78% and AKPS scores improved by 39% in the combined group. By comparison, the TPDN group showed a 53% increase in PPT and a 24% increase in AKPS, while the IASTM group showed a 54% increase in PPT and a 25% increase in AKPS (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Both TPDN and IASTM are effective in reducing pain and improving function in PFPS. However, their synergistic application offers enhanced clinical benefits over either intervention alone or exercise therapy. These findings support integrating multimodal approaches for managing PFPS.

PMID:41431426 | DOI:10.1080/10669817.2025.2607388