The effects of dry needling on respiratory parameters in a patient with medium severity

Abstract

COPD is expected to be third leading cause of death by 2030. We aimed to investigate effectiveness of dry needling in a patient with medium severity COPD in addition to respiration and posture exercises in relation to respiratory capacity. Case report: Demographic information was gathered from patient along with his smoking history. Respiratory function, posture, muscle shortness, muscle strength, respiration, chest circumference, distance between thyroid cartilage and sternum, six-minute walking test were all recorded. Dyspnea was assessed according to modified Borg scale. Every two days, patient was given dry needling treatment and respiratory exercises, along with ten sessions of posture and stretching exercises. We found differences in FEV1/FVC values, saturation distance between thyroid and sternal notch, number of pushups and dyspnea. Patient complaints decreased. We believe further study is required to ascertain effectiveness of dry needling method for quality of life and respiratory problems in patients with COPD.