Comparing exercise, dry needling, and interfascial block for upper trapezius myofascial pain
Official title: Comparison of the Effectiveness of Exercise, Dry Needling and Interfascial Block Treatments in the Treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Run by Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital · NCT07490366 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether adding dry needling or an interfascial block to exercise helps adults 18–55 with chronic upper trapezius myofascial pain reduce pain and improve function.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 78 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | October 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07490366 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18–55 with clinically confirmed upper trapezius myofascial pain lasting at least 3 months and a current VAS pain score of 4 or higher who can follow verbal instructions.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with recent neck/shoulder injections or physical therapy, recent regular NSAID or muscle relaxant use, recent surgery on the affected side, chronic inflammatory disease, active infection, coagulation disorders, pregnancy, major organ disease, or a history of malignancy are excluded and unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Seventy-eight patients with clinically diagnosed myofascial pain of the upper trapezius will be randomized into three groups: exercise alone, exercise plus dry needling, and exercise plus interfascial block (hydrodissection with lidocaine). Baseline measures will include VAS pain, neck range of motion, neck disability scale, pressure pain threshold by algometer, central sensitization scale, and SF-12 quality-of-life scores. Interventions are delivered in the clinic under ultrasound guidance for needling and interfascial block, with exercise consisting of cervical ROM and trapezius stretching. The study will compare short-term and longer-term effects on pain, disability, and quality of life across the three groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could clarify which treatment combination gives better short- and long-term pain relief and function, helping clinicians choose more effective care for trapezius myofascial pain.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show dry needling and exercise can provide short-term pain relief and interfascial hydrodissection has promising but limited evidence, while direct high-quality head-to-head comparisons remain scarce.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Myofascial pain in the upper trapezius muscle that has lasted for at least 3 months * VAS score of 4 or higher for the current pain * Clinically diagnosed with myofascial pain in the trapezius muscle * Ages 18 to 55 * Patients who can follow verbal instructions and have no cognitive deficits Exclusion Criteria: * Having received interventional injections in the neck and shoulder area within the last 3 months * Having received physical therapy within the last 3 months * Having received regular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and myorelaxant treatment within the last month * History of surgery on the affected side (neck or shoulder) * Chronic inflammatory disease * Acute infection * History of malignancy * Coagulation disorders * Pregnancy * Liver and kidney pathologies * Drug allergy
Where it's running
-
Haydarpaşa Training and Research Hospital
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Eren Başıbüyük, M.D.
- Email: erenbasiboyuk@gmail.com
- Phone: +905344844832
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.