EFFECTIVENESS OF WET NEEDLING TECHNIQUE IN PATIENTS OF PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME

Abstract

Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by anterior knee pain, often associated with muscle weakness and myofascial trigger points in the lumbopelvic-hip region. These impairments disrupt lower limb biomechanics and functional mobility, particularly affecting females due to anatomical factors such as a larger Q-angle and wider hips. Despite its prevalence, optimal management strategies remain a challenge for healthcare providers. This study investigates the effectiveness of wet needling combined with Kinesio taping and strengthening exercises in improving pain and function in individuals with PFPS.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of wet needling in reducing pain and enhancing functional outcomes in individuals with PFPS when combined with Kinesio taping and strengthening exercises.

Methods; A single-blinded, randomized clinical trial was conducted over six months at Wamiq Hospital and Medsol Medical Solutions, Sahiwal. Thirty-two participants (mean age: 28.70±4.20 years) were randomly allocated to Group A (wet needling + Kinesio taping + strengthening exercises) and Group B (Kinesio taping + strengthening exercises). Pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale - NPRS), functional status (Kujala score), and knee range of motion (ROM) were measured at baseline, the 4th week, and the 8th week. Independent sample t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA were applied for statistical analysis using SPSS version 25.

Results: Group A demonstrated a significant reduction in NPRS from 7.06±0.85 at baseline to 1.87±0.88 at the 8th week (p=0.000), whereas Group B improved from 6.93±0.79 to 2.53±0.74 (p=0.000). The Kujala score increased significantly in Group A (70.00±2.75 to 91.25±1.87, p=0.000) compared to Group B (71.13±2.44 to 88.53±2.23, p=0.000). Knee flexion ROM improved more in Group A (95.31±2.08 to 138.56±7.55, p=0.000) than in Group B (94.33±1.71 to 133.33±5.23, p=0.000). Between-group analysis revealed significantly greater improvements in Group A for pain reduction (p=0.043) and functional outcomes (p=0.000).

Conclusion: The combination of wet needling with Kinesio taping and strengthening exercises was significantly more effective than Kinesio taping and strengthening exercises alone in improving pain, knee ROM, and functional mobility in individuals with PFPS. These findings support the integration of wet needling as an adjunct to conventional rehabilitation for enhanced clinical outcomes.