Background
chronic degenerative articular disease, Myofascial, MTrPs, KOA, pain
DISEASE, OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE, DYSFUNCTION, MUSCLE WEAKNESS
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a chronic degenerative articular disease that often affects the elderly [There are currently no disease-modifying therapies, and therefore, the goal of treatment is to treat KOA-related symptoms, including pain and stiffness, with the goal of minimizing dysfunction and improving the quality of life. Some solutions for treating this disease include lifestyle changes, medications, physical therapy, and finally surgical interventions [The pain of KOA may not be just arthrogenic; it may result from other factors. Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are considered hyperirritable spots in a taut band of skeletal muscle, which may produce pain, muscle weakness, and decreased ROM symptoms, depending on their relationship with symptoms [This study aimed at determining the clinical effects of dry needling on latent and active MTrPs with stretching exercise for KOA and compared with the effect of oral diclofenac with stretching exercise over a 6-week treatment course. We hypothesized that dry needling on latent and active MTrPs combined with stretching can better improve the symptoms and functional abilities of patients with KOA.