Comparing dry needling with stretching techniques for neck pain relief

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of dry needling combined with either passive stretching or muscle energy technique in treating patients suffering from neck pain for over three months. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups, and their pain levels, neck range of motion, and disability will be assessed before and after the interventions. The study will involve 46 participants who will receive treatments twice a week for two weeks, with outcomes measured using standardized scales. Data analysis will be conducted using SPSS to determine the efficacy of each treatment approach.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Presence of neck pain for at least 3 months or more
* Presence of trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle, either unilaterally or bilaterally
* Age between 18 and 60 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having an ongoing infection or fever
* Presence of shoulder pathology, such as tendinopathy, impingement syndrome, capsulitis, or bursitis
* History of direct trauma to the shoulder or neck
* Immunosuppressed individuals (e.g., those with cancer)
* Pregnant or recently delivered
* Diagnosis of fibromyalgia
* History of previous neck or shoulder surgery
* Previous local steroid injection or acupuncture
* Any abnormality that restricts cervical range of motion (e.g., degenerative changes, cervical spine spondylolisthesis, disc protrusion, extrusion, or sequestration observed in MRI)
* Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
* Needle phobia
* Metal allergies
* Cervical instability
* Presence of local skin lesions or infections
* Significant cognitive impairment or uncooperative behavior
* Participants who have previously undergone any form of physiotherapy intervention for the treatment of neck pain or related conditions

Where it's running

• National Hospital Kandy
  Kandy, Central Province, Sri Lanka Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Dissanayake
• Email: dilmini008.dd@gmail.com
• Phone: 0702797349

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.