Muscle Position and Dry Needling Efficacy

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The trial compares two dry needling approaches for chronic neck pain: targeting the upper trapezius with the shoulder in full adduction (muscle stretched) versus in 90-degree abduction (muscle shortened). Forty-six adults with chronic neck pain will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups and receive two treatment sessions separated by a week. Primary outcome is neck and head pain intensity measured by the visual analog scale, with secondary measures including cervical disability, kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, expectations, and post-needling pain. The study aims to determine if muscle position during needling influences treatment effectiveness.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 65 years
* Neck pain lasting more than 3 months
* Current neck pain greater than 3/10 on the VAS (Visual Analog Scale)
* Presence of active trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle, meeting the following criteria: Painful point within a taut band whose palpation reproduces the patient's symptoms.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Neck pain with a medical diagnosis (fractures, arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc.)
* Radicular pain (paresthesia, burning, electric shocks)
* Whiplash or any recent trauma
* Previous surgery
* Treatment by another physiotherapist within the last 3 months
* Infections
* Needle phobia
* Use of anticoagulant medications
* Pregnancy
* Fibromyalgia
* Metal allergies
* Cognitive deficits or communication problems

Where it's running

• Clinical University Physiotherapy and pain
  Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain Recruiting
• Physioterapy and Pain center research
  Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Daniel Pecos-Martin, PhD
• Email: daniel.pecos@uah.es
• Phone: 34918855142

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.