Dry needling for menstrual pain relief

Clinical Study of Dry Needling on Myofascial Trigger Points Treatment for Primary Dysmenorrhea and Preliminary Investigation of Its Relevance to Acupoints

This study is testing whether dry needling can help young women with painful periods feel better compared to traditional acupuncture and a placebo.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 150 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 30 Years
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: Beijing Hospital (other gov)
• Locations: 2 sites (Beijing, Beijing Municipality and 1 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06316583 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical study investigates the effectiveness of dry needling therapy targeting myofascial trigger points in treating primary dysmenorrhea, a common menstrual pain condition in young women. It employs a randomized, single-blind design with 150 participants aged 18 to 30, divided into three groups: one receiving trigger point dry needling, another receiving traditional acupuncture, and a placebo group. The study aims to evaluate pain relief, quality of life, and potential mechanisms of action, including inflammatory factors and uterine blood flow. It also explores the relationship between trigger point theory and acupuncture principles.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 to 30 diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea without pelvic organic lesions.

Not a fit: Patients with secondary dysmenorrhea or other reproductive system diseases will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new, effective treatment option for young women suffering from primary dysmenorrhea.

How similar studies have performed: While related research is limited, the study aims to build on preliminary findings regarding dry needling and acupuncture, suggesting a novel approach to treatment.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. All participants diagnosed explicitly by a gynecologist as having primary dysmenorrhea without pelvic organic lesions.
2. Aged between 18 and 30 years.
3. A history of cyclical menstrual pain for more than 2 years.
4. Pain greater than 30mm on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS, 0-100mm).
5. Participants must sign an informed consent form and be willing to undergo acupuncture treatment and cooperate to complete the relevant procedures of this trial.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Those suffering from secondary dysmenorrhea or any other reproductive and urinary system diseases, such as endometriosis.
2. A history of pregnancy, miscarriage, or planning for pregnancy. Individuals with skin infections on the abdomen and lower back.
3. Past use of acupuncture therapy or other needling treatments.
4. Those with a history of mental illness and severe diseases of the heart, liver, brain, kidneys, hematopoietic system, etc.
5. Within the past 6 months, individuals referred to pain clinics, those who have used pain relievers like morphine or pethidine, or those allergic to NSAIDs. Also, those currently taking or receiving anticoagulant medications.
6. Individuals who have had adverse reactions to acupuncture (e.g., fainting).

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality and 1 other locations

• Yanxia Sun — Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China (RECRUITING)
• Yanxia Sun — Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Yanxia Sun — Beijing Hospital
• Study coordinator: Yanxia Sun

Conditions: Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial, Acupuncture, Primary Dysmenorrhea, trigger points, dry-needling, primary dysmenorrhea