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Spinal Manipulation and Dry Needling Versus Conventional Physical Therapy in Patients With Sacroiliac Dysfunction

Spinal Manipulation and Dry Needling Versus Conventional Physical Therapy in Patients With Sacroiliac Dysfunction: a Multi-center Randomized Clinical Trial

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT02373644
Enrollment
116
Registered
2015-02-27
Start date
2015-02-21
Completion date
2020-01-10
Last updated
2020-02-19

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Brief summary

The purpose of the research project is to compare the effectiveness of non-thrust mobilization and exercise versus thrust manipulation and dry needling in patients with sacroiliac dysfunction. Physical therapists commonly use both approaches to treat sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and this study is attempting to determine if one approach is more effective than the other.

Detailed description

Patients with sacroiliac pain will be randomized to receive 1-2 treatments per week for 6 weeks (up to 10 sessions total) of either: 1. High-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust manipulation and dry needling group, or 2. conventional physical therapy (Stabilization, force closure, motor control exercises and manual therapy) group.

Interventions

OTHERHVLA Thrust Manipulation and DN

HVLA thrust manipulation targeting primarily the lumbar articulations and sacroiliac joint. Up to 10 sessions over 6 weeks. At least one session of dry needling to the lumbo-pelvic muscles and peri-articular ligaments of the SI joint.

OTHERConventional Physical Therapy

Therapeutic exercise and manual therapy, up to 10 sessions over 6 weeks. Patients may receive interferential current and moist heat.

Sponsors

Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
CollaboratorOTHER
Alabama Physical Therapy & Acupuncture
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Patient must report sacroiliac dysfunction, defined as: * Pain of any duration (acute, subacute, or chronic) in the Fortin region (the pain may also project to the groin, thigh, lower leg and/or foot; however, it may only be local Fortin region pain in some subjects). * Pain does NOT centralize with repeated movements or sustained postures * A minimum of 3 positive pain provocation tests using either the Laslett et al. (2003, 2005) or van der Wurff et al (2006) multi-test regiments: * 3 or more of the following 6 pain provocation tests (Laslett et al, 2003, 2005): * Posterior thigh thrust * Gaenslen's test (right) * Gaenslen's test (left) * ASIS distraction * ASIS compression * Sacral compression 2. A minimum pain rating of 2/10 using the NPRS (Numeric Pain Rating Scale 0---10) 3. A minimum ODI score of 10/50 (i.e. 20% minimum on Oswestry Disability Index)

Exclusion criteria

1. Cauda Equina Syndrome 2. Neurologic presentation consistent with upper or lower motor neuron dysfunction due to spinal involvement (ie myelopathy or nerve compression, hyperreflexia, pathologic reflexes, depressed or absent reflexes in the lower extremities, motor weakness involving major muscle groups of lower extremity, unsteady gait, diminished or absent pin prick sensation in the legs and/or feet) 3. Spinal fractures 4. Currently pregnant 5. Co-existing medial problems / comorbidities (e.g., severe osteoporosis, tumors, inflammatory or infectious conditions, diabetes, angina, severe hypertension, RA, etc.) 6. Involvement in litigation of worker's compensation claim for low back 7. Physical therapy or chiropractic treatment for low back pain in the 3 months before initial examination 8. Any indication that might contraindicate spinal manipulative therapy. 9. Recent surgery to the lumbar or thoracic spine.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Leg pain Intensity (NPRS)Baseline, 2 Days, 2 Weeks, 6 Weeks, 3 MonthsNumeric Pain Rating
Change in Disability (ODI)Baseline, 2 Days, 2 Weeks, 6 Weeks, 3 Months10 Questions each worth 0-5 points with maximum score of 50 points
Change in Back Pain Intensity (NPRS)Baseline, 2 Days, 2 Weeks, 6 Weeks, 3 MonthsNumeric Pain Rating

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Medication Intake (Frequency of pain medication)Baseline, 3 monthsFrequency of pain medication (narcotics and over-the counter drugs) required for low back / pelvic pain

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026