High-intensity laser treatment for upper-trapezius trigger point pain
Effectiveness of High Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) and Stretching Exercises on Cervical Flexibility and Pain Reduction in Myofascial Trigger Points. Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT).
We will test whether high-intensity laser therapy, compared with fake laser or ultrasound plus stretching, reduces neck trigger point pain and improves neck movement in university students and staff.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Quiropraxia y Equilibrio Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Santiago, Las Condes and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04445545 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized clinical trial will recruit adult students and staff at Universidad Andrés Bello who have latent myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) plus stretching, sham HILT plus stretching, or therapeutic ultrasound plus stretching, with treatments twice weekly for four weeks. Main outcomes — pain intensity, pain pressure threshold, cervical range of motion, and neck disability — are measured at baseline, during treatment, and at post-treatment follow-up. The sample size was calculated for 85% power using an expected moderate effect size based on prior PPT differences in MTrP research.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) who are students or staff at Universidad Andrés Bello with latent myofascial trigger points in a shortened upper trapezius and no recent neck or shoulder pathology.
Not a fit: People with recent neck/shoulder injuries, implanted metal near the area, skin lesions, photosensitivity, neurological deficits, or chronic use of analgesics/anti-inflammatories/muscle relaxants are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, HILT could offer a noninvasive option to reduce trigger point pain and improve neck mobility.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small trials of high- and low-level laser therapies for myofascial pain have shown some pain and pressure-sensitivity improvements, but the evidence is limited and inconsistent.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants over 18 years of age. * Officials and students of the Casona las Condes Campus of the Andrés Bello University. * Presence of myofascial trigger points in the shortened upper trapezius muscle evaluated (expert consensus establishing criteria for the diagnosis of MTrPs, Delphi study).25 Exclusion Criteria: * Musculoskeletal problems or pathologies of the neck or shoulders in the last 3 months (fractures, sprains, tendinopathies, dislocations, or muscle tears). * Presence of osteosynthesis materials near shoulders, neck, or surrounding areas. * Presence of wounds or skin changes in the shoulder and/or neck region (such as psoriasis, scars, or burns). * Use of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, or muscle relaxant medications for permanent use. * Neurological changes such as paresthesia, loss of sensitivity (partial or complete), decreased strength, and color changes in the neck, arms, forearms, or hands. * Diagnosed photosensitivity. * Presence of solar urticaria or adverse reactions to sunlight. * Presence of the following conditions: dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, hepatic porphyria, cutaneous carcinoid syndrome or pellagra * Cancer or tumors of any type diagnosed. * Epilepsy.
Where this trial is running
Santiago, Las Condes and 1 other locations
- Universidad Andrés Bello — Santiago, Las Condes, Chile (Recruiting)
- Universidad Andrés Bello — Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan, Chile (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hernán A de la Barra Ortiz, Mg — Universidad Nacional Andres Bello
- Study coordinator: Hernán A De la Barra Ortiz, Mg.
- Email: hdelabarra@unab.cl
- Phone: 984706322
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.