Combining dry needling with exercise for myofascial pain in the neck
The Effect of Dry Needling of the Upper Trapezius Muscle Added to Therapeutic Exercise Therapy on the Thickness of the Cervical Muscles in Myofascial Pain Syndrome
This study is testing if adding dry needling to an exercise program can help people with chronic neck pain feel better and improve their daily activities.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istanbul Training and Research Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Fatih) |
| Trial ID | NCT06809790 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of combining dry needling therapy with a therapeutic exercise program for patients suffering from myofascial pain syndrome, specifically targeting the upper trapezius muscle. Patients aged 20-65 with chronic neck pain and active trigger points will be randomly assigned to either an exercise-only group or an exercise plus dry needling group. The study will assess pain levels and functional outcomes using standardized measures such as the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Short Form 36 (SF-36). The goal is to determine if the addition of dry needling enhances recovery compared to exercise alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 20-65 with chronic neck pain and active trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle.
Not a fit: Patients with rheumatologic diseases, radiculopathy, or a history of certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from myofascial pain syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with dry needling in similar conditions, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged 20-65 years with neck pain for more than 12 weeks * Active trigger point in the unilateral upper trapezius muscle on physical examination * Who agreed not to receive anti-inflammatory and myorelaxant treatment during the study period Exclusion Criteria: * Patients diagnosed with rheumatologic diseases * Patients with radiculopathy * Patients with a history of previous surgery in the shoulder, back, and neck region * Patients with polyneuropathy * Patients with severe cervical spondylosis * Patients with cerebrovascular events * Patients with malignancies * Those with cognitive impairment * Those with bleeding disorders * Patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia * Patients with thyroidectomy * Anti-inflammatory-analgesic or myorelaxant treatment within the last 1 month * Patients with a history of injection into the upper trapezius muscle or cervical region within the last 3 months
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Fatih
- Istanbul Training and Research Hospital — Istanbul, Fatih, Turkey (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Muhammed Oğuz — Istanbul Training and Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Muhammed Oğuz
- Email: droguzmuhammed@gmail.com
- Phone: +90552 3962321
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.