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Dry Needling in Multiple Sclerosis
Sponsor: University of South Florida
Summary
This study is being conducted at the Human Functional Performance Laboratory in the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences (MDT Building) at the University of South Florida. The study is supported by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers. The investigators are conducting this study to determine whether a treatment called dry needling can improve chronic pain in the lower body (from the low back to the foot) in people with Multiple Sclerosis. Dry needling involves inserting tiny needles, similar to those used in acupuncture, into specific muscles, such as the thigh or calf muscles. Unlike traditional acupuncture, dry needling targets specific muscle areas to reduce muscle stiffness and pain. Dry needling may help reduce pain without medication. The investigators also aim to determine whether dry needling can improve balance and walking abilities, potentially leading to better day-to-day functioning. Participants will be assigned to one of two groups. Both groups will receive six treatment sessions. One group will receive actual dry needling, while the other group will receive a sham procedure designed to mimic dry needling. Treatment assignment will be determined randomly, similar to flipping a coin. Neither participants nor the study doctor will choose the assigned treatment. Each participant will have an equal chance of receiving actual dry needling or the sham procedure. Participants will not be informed of the assigned treatment; however, the study doctor will know the treatment assignment. Participants are being invited to take part in this study because of a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and the presence of chronic pain in the lower body, including the buttocks, thighs, calves, or feet. The investigators aim to determine whether dry needling can help reduce chronic lower-body pain in people with Multiple Sclerosis.
Official title: Non-pharmacological Management of Chronic Pain in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 80 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
24
Start Date
2026-05-08
Completion Date
2027-06-01
Last Updated
2026-10-29
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Dry Needling
Participants will receive dry needling treatment targeting lower-extremity muscles associated with chronic pain in people with multiple sclerosis. The intervention will be delivered over six treatment sessions by a licensed physical therapist trained in dry needling techniques.
Sham Dry Needling
Participants assigned to the sham dry needling group will receive a control procedure designed to mimic the experience of dry needling without therapeutic needle insertion into the target muscle tissue. The procedure will be delivered over six sessions by a licensed physical therapist trained in dry needling and sham procedures.
Locations (1)
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida, United States