Comparing dry needling and Tecartherapy for treating low back pain

Effectiveness of Diathermy Compared to Dry Needling in the Short-term Management of Subjects With Chronic Low Back Pain: a Randomised Controlled Trial

NA · University of Alcala · NCT05422040

This study is testing whether dry needling or Tecartherapy is better at relieving chronic low back pain for people who suffer from it.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alcala (other)
Locations1 site (Alcalá de Henares, Madrid)
Trial IDNCT05422040 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of diathermy, a form of Tecartherapy, against dry needling in treating chronic low back pain (CLBP). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either diathermy or dry needling, with treatment sessions scheduled over a period of time. The study will assess pain intensity, disability, kinesiophobia, and catastrophizing at multiple follow-up points. The results will be analyzed using statistical methods to determine which treatment is more effective in alleviating pain.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 65 who have been experiencing chronic non-specific low back pain for more than six weeks.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological symptoms, radicular pain, or those who have undergone recent lumbar surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from chronic low back pain.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in directly comparing diathermy to dry needling, previous studies have shown success with both techniques individually in treating low back pain.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 65 years.
* Chronic non-specific low back pain.
* Duration of pain of more than 6 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Neurological signs or symptoms.
* Radicular pain.
* Radiating pain below the knee.
* Belonephobia.
* Traumatic processes and/or surgeries in the lumbar region in the last year.
* Having received physiotherapy treatment in the last 3 months.
* Systemic diseases such as cancer, rheumatic diseases, neurological diseases.

Where this trial is running

Alcalá de Henares, Madrid

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Low Back Pain, Back pain, dry needling, Tecartherapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.