Effects of Dry Needling on Neck and Shoulder Pain
Effects of Dry Needling of C5-C6 on Shoulder Range of Motion, Strength, Tender Points, and Blood Flow
This study is testing if dry needling can help people with neck and shoulder pain move better, feel less pain, and improve their strength.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Texas Woman's University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dallas, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06705634 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how dry needling, a manual therapy technique, impacts shoulder movement, strength, pain levels, and circulation in individuals suffering from neck and shoulder pain. Participants will attend a single on-site visit where they will complete consent forms, intake forms, and questionnaires to assess their pain and functional levels. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of dry needling on alleviating symptoms associated with non-specific neck-shoulder pain. The research will focus on individuals with specific tender points in certain muscles around the neck and shoulder area.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with non-specific neck-shoulder pain and specific tender points in designated muscles.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to dry needling or significant medical conditions affecting blood flow may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new therapeutic approach for managing chronic neck and shoulder pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that manual therapies like dry needling can alleviate muscle inhibition, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * adults 18-65 years of age * non-specific neck-shoulder pain (over the upper trapezius or the infraspinatus area) with an average pain ≥ 2/10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (score range from 0-10, 0 = no pain, 10 = unbearable pain) * at least one tender point in one of the 5 muscles: cervical paraspinal near C5-C6 spinal segment, rhomboids, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and deltoid. Exclusion Criteria: Participants will be excluded from this study if they have a contraindication to dry needling or a medical condition affecting blood flow, including but not limited to: * Active systemic arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis) * Traumatic brain injury * Stroke Seizures/epilepsy * Neurological disease (e.g., multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson's, spinal cord compression) * Acute or History of Fracture of cervical spine * Acute or History of Fracture of the shoulder * Circulation/vascular problems (e.g., Raynaud's) * Cancer * Uncontrolled diabetes/high blood sugar * Currently pregnant * Previous neck surgery * Previous arthroscopic shoulder surgery in the last 5 years * Previous shoulder arthoplasty * Taking an anticoagulant (blood thinner) * Allergic to ultrasound gel
Where this trial is running
Dallas, Texas
- Texas Woman's University T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences — Dallas, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jace Brown, DPT, PhD
- Email: jbrown34@twu.edu
- Phone: 2146897716
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.