Effect of dry needling on shoulder pain

The Effectiveness of Dry Needling Treatment in Patients With Shoulder Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Double-blind Randomized Sham-controlled Study.

Not applicable Interventional Kutahya Health Sciences University · NCT06338488

This study is testing if dry needling can help people with shoulder pain feel better and improve their movement.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorKutahya Health Sciences University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kütahya, Türkiye)
Trial IDNCT06338488 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of dry needling treatment in patients diagnosed with Shoulder Myofascial Pain Syndrome. It aims to enroll 50 participants aged 18 to 80, who will be randomly assigned to receive either real or sham dry needling treatment. The treatment sessions will be conducted weekly, with each session lasting 10-20 minutes and guided by ultrasound. Participants will also be instructed on daily stretching exercises and monitored throughout the study period to assess pain relief and functional improvement.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-80 with a clinically diagnosed Shoulder Myofascial Pain Syndrome and a pain score of 6 or higher on the Visual Analog Scale.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of shoulder surgery, frozen shoulder syndrome, or those who have recently undergone physiotherapy targeting the shoulder 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 shoulder myofascial pain.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for dry needling in treating myofascial pain, indicating that this approach is supported by existing evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinically diagnosed with Shoulder Myofascial Pain Syndrome associated with Infraspinatus trigger point.
* Having a shoulder pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score of 6 or higher.
* Ability to read and write

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of shoulder surgery and frozen shoulder syndrome.
* Lesions, atrophy, or scars in the skin around the shoulder.
* Having undergone physiotherapy targeting the shoulder in the last 6 months.
* Undergoing an interventional procedure for shoulder pain in the last 3 months.
* Having used steroids in the last 1 month.
* Special conditions such as epilepsy, pregnancy, injection phobia, etc.
* Inability to comply with the restriction on the use of steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during the treatment period.

Where this trial is running

Kütahya, Türkiye

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 Shoulder Pain
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.