About this trial
This study is testing the effectiveness of "dry needling" for pain management and on muscle strength and leg function for those with knee pain. Dry needling consists of small, monofilament needles that are administered directly into the tissue and manipulated to make the muscle relax for pain relief. This technique is used to treat dysfunctions in skeletal muscle and connective tissue to help diminish pain, reduce impairments of body structure and restore function.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
18-40 years-of-age
Referred for physical therapy
Presence of anterior knee pain around the patella during ascending/descending stairs, squatting, and/or running for at least 3 months.
Disqualifiers
Unable to provide consent
Bilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome
Received previous dry needling treatments
Pregnancy
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Dry Needling
- Sham Dry Needling
- Physical Therapy