Electrical DN as an Adjunct to Eccentric Exercise, Stretching + MT for Achilles Tendinopathy

Launched by ALABAMA PHYSICAL THERAPY & ACUPUNCTURE · May 28, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two different treatment methods for people suffering from Achilles tendinopathy, which is a common condition causing pain in the back of the heel. The trial will compare traditional treatments—like specific exercises, stretching, and manual therapy (hands-on treatment)—with a new approach that includes electric dry needling along with the same exercises and stretching. The goal is to see if adding electric dry needling makes a difference in how effective the treatment is for relieving pain and improving function.

To participate in this study, you need to be an adult over 18 years old, able to speak English, and have experienced Achilles pain for at least three months. It’s important that you haven't received any physical therapy or similar treatments for your Achilles pain in the past six months. Participants will be closely monitored and can expect to engage in the specified exercises and therapies. If you have certain medical conditions or a history of specific injuries, you may not be eligible to join. This study is currently recruiting participants, and everyone is welcome regardless of gender.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Adult \>18 years old that is able to speak English.
• • 2. Report of at least 3 months of Achilles pain clinically diagnosed as Achilles tendonitis or Achilles tendinopathy
• 3. Patient has not had physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic treatment or injections for Achilles pain in the last 6 months:
• • 4. Diagnosis of noninsertional tendinopathy, defined as the following
• • Subjective report of pain located 2-6 cm proximal to the insertion of Achilles tendon to the calcaneus, particularly with running or jumping
• • Tenderness to palpation of the Achilles tendon while the clinician gently squeezes the tendon between the thumb and index finger in a proximal to distal direction
• • Positive Arc Sign - Intratendinous swelling moves relative to the malleoli with the tendon during active dorsi/plantar Flexion
• • Royal London Test - Tenderness to palpation decreases significantly or disappears with max dorsiflexion
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Report of red flags to manual physical therapy to include: hypertension infection, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, heart disease, stroke, chronic ischemia, edema, severe vascular disease, malignancy, etc.
• • 2. History of previous Achilles tendon surgery, ankle arthrodesis, hind foot fracture, or leg length discrepancy of more than one half inch.
• • 3. History of arthrosis or arthritis of the ankle and/or foot.
• • 4. History of significant ankle and/or foot instability
• 5. Two or more positive neurologic signs consistent with nerve root compression, including any two of the following:
• • 1. Muscle weakness involving a major lower extremity muscle group
• • 2. Diminished lower extremity patella or Achilles tendon reflexes
• • 3. Diminished / absent sensation in any lower extremity dermatome
• • 6. Involvement in litigation or worker's compensation regarding foot pain
• • 7. Any condition that might contraindicate the use of electro-needling
• • 8. The patient is pregnant.