Dextrose injection for treating myofascial pain syndrome

The Therapeutic Effects of Dextrose Injection for Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Not applicable Interventional National Cheng-Kung University Hospital · NCT05429827

This study is testing whether different types of dextrose injections can help people with myofascial pain syndrome feel less pain and improve their neck movement.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages20 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNational Cheng-Kung University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tainan)
Trial IDNCT05429827 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of dextrose injection on myofascial trigger points (MTrP) in the upper trapezius muscle. Patients diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome will be divided into three groups: one receiving normal saline, another receiving hypo-osmolar dextrose (5%), and the last receiving hyper-osmolar dextrose (15%). Clinical outcomes such as pain levels, range of motion, and neck disability will be assessed at multiple time points following the injection. Additionally, morphological changes will be evaluated using sonography to determine the effectiveness of the different treatments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 20 and older with a confirmed diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome and a specific myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius.

Not a fit: Patients with acute medical issues, cognitive impairments, or bleeding disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide significant pain relief and improved function for patients suffering from myofascial pain syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on dextrose injections for pain management, this specific approach targeting myofascial trigger points is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 1). Patients should be 20 years of age or older;
* 2). They are able to communicate freely;
* 3). Patients have the diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) with a definite myofascial trigger point (MTrP) in the neck base and upper back regions (the upper trapezius muscle). The MTrP is identified based on the following criteria, as recommended by Simons \[Simons et al., 1999\]:

  * (a). a localized tender spot in a palpable taut band of muscle fibers,
  * (b). recognized pain (as the usual clinical complaint) when the tender spot is compressed,
  * (c). characteristic and consistent referred pain.
* 4). Symptoms of MPS should be more than 3 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria:

* (1). acute or serious medical problems;
* (2). cognitive impairment or psychiatric disorder;
* (3). coagulopathy or any other bleeding disorder;
* (4). taking medication of anticoagulation or antithrombolytics;
* (5). sensory deficiency over the body part where MTrPs located;
* (6). serum hepatitis B or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome;
* (7). malignancy;
* (8). pregnant or likely to be pregnant.
* (9). diabetes mellitus

Where this trial is running

Tainan

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.
Conditions Myofascial Trigger Point Painmyofascial trigger pointendplate noisedextrose.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.