Abstract
Introduction Percutaneous needle electrolysis is a technique of invasive physical therapy which
has been applied successfully in tendinopathies over the last decade. This study sought
to explore the opinion and criteria employed by physical therapists who apply this
technique in tendinopathies.
Material and Methods A cross-sectional study based on a survey of 15 questions to gather the sociodemographic
characteristics of attendees and to examine four dimensions associated with the application
of percutaneous needle electrolysis (indications, dosage, ultrasound-guidance, supporting
therapies). The participants voted on the survey simultaneously after installing the
“Votephone” App on their mobile phones or smartphones.
Results The study participants included 212 people who attended the CIFI 2018 conference
and four experts. Of those who responded, 74.5% were men, who were mainly dedicated
to clinical work (91.8%), and were aged between 25 and 45 years (97.6%). Electrolysis
was used by 79% of respondents in their daily practice, for which 32.89% had over
six years' experience. Percutaneous needle electrolysis was considered the therapy
of choice in the treatment of tendinopathies for 91.03% of respondents, whereas 98.67%
used it in situations of chronicity, and for tissue repair purposes (85%). Of all
people surveyed, 97.74% considered that ultrasound guidance was essential for its
application, employing intensities of between 2-4 mA (59.60%) and combined with therapeutic
exercise (77.78%). Ultrasound in B mode (50.85%) and palpation with the needle and
reproduction of symptoms (47.46%) are the criteria used to define the area of intervention.
Conclusions Percutaneous needle electrolysis is often used by physical therapists in chronic
tendinopathies, applying high intensities (2-4 mA) aimed at repair of the damaged
tissue. Attendees considered that the use of ultrasound for assessment and as a guide
for the intervention is essential to guarantee a safe application and improve effectiveness.
Percutaneous needle electrolysis is most commonly associated with therapeutic exercise.
