Integrated neuromuscular inhibition, dry cupping, and dry needling for neck pain
Official title: Comparative Impact of Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique, Dry Cupping and Dry Needling on Mechanical Neck Pain; A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Beni-Suef University · NCT07711041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests four treatment setups to see which helps people with chronic neck muscle pain best, all alongside standard physical therapy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Beni-Suef University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Giza) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 2027 |
| Study ends | May 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07711041 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with chronic trigger point–related neck pain in the upper trapezius who have not had neck surgery or recent neck pathology and who have not received physical therapy in the last 3 months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with other neck or shoulder conditions, cervical spine pathology, fibromyalgia, or recent physical therapy within 3 months may not benefit from this approach.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial compares four treatment arms in adults with chronic neck pain due to trigger points in the upper trapezius. All groups receive a standard 4-week physical therapy program; groups differ with the addition of either Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique, dry cupping, or dry needling. The study aims to determine whether adding these specific modalities provides greater pain relief or functional improvement than traditional physical therapy alone. Participants must have chronic trigger points and no recent neck surgery or other confounding conditions. Outcomes will be measured over the intervention period and may include pain intensity and functional measures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help identify which adjunctive therapy provides the most relief for chronic neck pain when added to physical therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in related pain modalities suggests potential benefits, but results can vary by modality and population.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Medically competent men and women will be included They had chronic MTrPs in the upper trapezius for more than 6 months Diagnostic criteria of being a tight band with a palpable nodule and distant pain when subjected to pressure Exclusion Criteria: * subjects with previous neck or shoulder pathology (e.g., fracture, sur¬gery, inflammatory and infectious diseases), cervical disc pathology, systemic disorder, fibromyalgia, those who underwent physical therapy for at least the previous 3 months
Where it's running
-
Faculty of Physical Therapy
Giza, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Dina Al-Amir Mohamed, Lecturer
- Email: dinaalamir@pt.bsu.edu.eg
- Phone: 002+01229370053
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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This study tests whether cervical spine mobilization alone or combined with thoracic mobilization helps people aged 20–40 with mechanical neck pain feel less pain and disability.
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This study tests different dry needling and electrical dry needling methods to see which best reduces post-needling soreness for healthy adults with latent trigger points in the dominant forearm extensor digitorum.
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Deep neck flexor and sensorimotor training for chronic neck pain
This trial will test whether adding deep neck flexor exercises and sensorimotor (proprioception) training to usual physical therapy helps adults aged 20–40 with chronic mechanical neck pain.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.