Evaluating dry needling effects on shoulder muscle activity

Effect of Dry Needling Technique on Shoulder Muscle Functionality in Subjects With and Without Shoulder Pain.

Not applicable Interventional University of Alcala · NCT06398574

This study is testing whether dry needling can improve muscle activity and reduce pain in people with and without shoulder pain by comparing real treatment to a fake one.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alcala Academic / other
Locations1 site (Alcalá de Henares, Madrid)
Trial IDNCT06398574 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess how dry needling affects the activity of rotator cuff muscles in individuals with and without shoulder pain. Participants will undergo evaluations of muscle strength, muscle thickness, and electromyographic activity before and after the dry needling technique is applied. Additional measurements will include pain thresholds, pain levels, and psychological factors related to pain. The study will compare the effects of real dry needling versus sham dry needling.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults with unilateral shoulder pain lasting more than three months or those without shoulder pain who meet specific mobility criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with neck pain, a history of shoulder trauma, fibromyalgia, or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new therapeutic approach for managing shoulder pain and improving muscle function.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies on dry needling have shown promising results, suggesting potential effectiveness in treating musculoskeletal pain, although this specific approach is being evaluated in a novel context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects of legal age
* Subjects without shoulder pain or with unilateral shoulder pain of \> 3 months duration.
* Have shoulder mobility of 90º of abduction and at least 30º of glenohumeral external rotation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have neck pain.
* Whiplash
* Having had trauma to the shoulder.
* Having fibromyalgia.
* Be pregnant.
* Being afraid of needles.

Where this trial is running

Alcalá de Henares, Madrid

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 PainDry needlingShoulder muscle strengthSurface electromyography
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.