Percutaneous electrolysis for chronic upper trapezius neck pain
Official title: Effectiveness of Different Percutaneous Electrolysis Treatment Protocols Targeting the Upper Trapezius Muscle in Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Sivas State Hospital · NCT07294651 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test will see if two different doses of percutaneous electrolysis plus a home stretching program help adults with chronic neck pain from active upper trapezius trigger points.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Sivas State Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sivas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | April 10, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 19, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07294651 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–70 with at least three months of chronic neck pain and active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius who meet safety criteria may be eligible.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with widespread pain disorders (like fibromyalgia), contraindications such as pacemakers, anticoagulation, pregnancy, active infection or skin lesions at the site, metal implants in the area, or prior dry needling are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults with chronic neck pain and active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius are randomized to receive either a low-intensity (0.5 mA × 90 s) or a high-intensity (3 mA × 3 s × 3 repetitions) percutaneous electrolysis protocol. Treatments are delivered on days 1, 8, and 14 using 0.3 mm acupuncture needles and an EPTE® percutaneous electrolysis device, and both groups follow the same upper trapezius stretching home exercise program. The trial compares symptom changes between the two dosing protocols while controlling for the effect of stretching. Standard exclusion criteria apply, including pacemaker, anticoagulant use, pregnancy, fibromyalgia, skin infection at the treatment site, and prior dry needling for the condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could offer a minimally invasive option to reduce pain and improve function for people with chronic upper trapezius myofascial pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small trials of dry needling and percutaneous electrolysis for myofascial and tendinous pain have shown promising but mixed results, so the technique has some supportive but not definitive evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Patients who agree to participate in the study, are between 18 and 70 years of age, have had symptoms for at least 3 months, and have chronic neck pain with active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle will be included. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with malignancy, active infection, a history of widespread inflammatory rheumatic disease or fibromyalgia, trauma, skin lesions, infection or open wounds at the myofascial trigger point region, coagulopathy, warfarin use, a history of spinal or shoulder disorders, previous neck or upper extremity surgery, acute illness, muscle diseases, epilepsy, use of sedative medications, needle phobia, previous dry needling treatment for myofascial pain, a cardiac pacemaker, metal implants in the treatment area, conditions that contraindicate physiotherapy such as pregnancy, or metal allergy will not be included in the study.
Where it's running
-
Sivas Devlet Hastanesi
Sivas, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Comparing exercise, dry needling, and interfascial block for upper trapezius myofascial pain
This study will test whether adding dry needling or an interfascial block to exercise helps adults 18–55 with chronic upper trapezius myofascial pain reduce pain and improve function.
-
Percutaneous electrolysis plus exercises for chronic plantar fasciitis targeting the muscle–fascia chain
This trial will test whether adding percutaneous electrolysis to calf muscle trigger points, along with a home exercise program, reduces pain and improves function in adults (18–70) with chronic plantar fasciitis more than electrolysis applied only to the plantar fascia.
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.