Dry Needling in Multiple Sclerosis

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-64
SponsorUniversity of Kansas Medical Center

About this trial

The investigators are doing this study to see if a treatment called dry needling improves muscle spasticity (muscle tightness) in people who have Multiple Sclerosis. Dry needling involves using tiny needles, like those in acupuncture, to target some muscles, like calf muscles. It differs from traditional acupuncture as it focuses on treating or managing muscle spots, aiming to reduce muscle stiffness and pain. Dry needling may offer a minimally-invasive and medication-free approach to improve muscle spasticity. The investigators hope to see if dry needling also helps enhance balance and walking abilities. This might provide potential improvements inoverall mobility and balance.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Age 18 to 64 years

Clinical diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis based on the McDonald Criteria

Spasticity in their lower legs

Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) score of 5 or below

Disqualifiers

Inability to communicate effectively with study personnel

Needle phobia

Severe varicose veins

Presence of an active implanted device

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Dry needling
  • Sham dry needling

Treatment groups

24 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups