PRP pharmacopuncture for chronic neck pain from upper trapezius myofascial syndrome

The Effectiveness of Pharmacopuncture With Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) as a Treatment for Chronic Neck Pain in Cervical Myofascial Syndrome Related to the Upper Trapezius Muscle

This trial will try a single Platelet‑Rich Plasma (PRP) pharmacopuncture injection to see if it reduces chronic neck pain and improves function in adults with upper trapezius myofascial pain.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 72 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 59 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Indonesia University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Jakarta)
• Trial ID: NCT07119255 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a randomized, placebo‑controlled interventional trial comparing a single PRP pharmacopuncture treatment to normal saline pharmacopuncture in adults with chronic neck pain from upper trapezius myofascial syndrome. Sixty participants aged 18–59 with chronic neck pain (>3 months) and a VAS activity score of 30–70 mm will be enrolled and randomly assigned to PRP or placebo. Outcomes include pain, function, quality of life, and adverse events measured at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the intervention. The trial focuses on localized trigger‑point treatment and uses standardized follow-up assessments to detect short‑term benefits and safety signals.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–59 with chronic (>3 months) neck pain localized to the upper trapezius, a VAS activity score between 30 and 70 mm, and physical exam findings consistent with myofascial trigger points who meet blood count and health criteria are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with fibromyalgia, structural cervical spine abnormalities (other than degenerative changes), low hemoglobin or platelet counts, fever, or other excluded systemic conditions are unlikely to benefit or be eligible for this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a single‑session, localized treatment that reduces chronic neck pain and improves function and quality of life for people with upper trapezius myofascial pain.

How similar studies have performed: Small trials and case series of PRP or trigger‑point injections have reported some pain relief for myofascial conditions, but the evidence is limited and not yet conclusive.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female, aged 18 to 59 years.
* Experiencing neck pain for more than 3 months (chronic).
* Neck pain classified as Grade I to III according to the Neck Pain Task Force classification.
* Presence of referred pain pattern on physical examination consistent with the distribution of the upper trapezius muscle.
* Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score between 30 and 70 mm (out of 100 mm) during activity (e.g., daily activities or light exercise).
* Willing to participate in the study until completion and has signed the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Hemoglobin level \<13 g/dL for males or \<12 g/dL for females.
* Platelet count \<150,000/μL.
* Presence of fever (≥37.5°C).
* Diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
* Structural abnormalities of the cervical spine other than degenerative changes, such as fractures, cervical spine injuries, space-occupying lesions (SOL), infections, neoplasms, or systemic diseases confirmed by radiographic imaging.
* History of cervical spine surgery.
* Presence of tumors, wounds, or skin infections at the needle insertion site.
* Diagnosed with blood disorders or currently taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications.
* History of hypersensitivity reactions to acupuncture (e.g., metal allergy, severe atopy, keloids, or other skin hypersensitivities).
* Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus.
* History of pharmacopuncture therapy to the upper trapezius muscle within the past 6 months.
* Use of anti-inflammatory medication within the past 2 weeks.
* Currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

Where this trial is running

Jakarta

• Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Indonesia — Jakarta, Indonesia (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Kepk Fkui-Rscm — The Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia - RSCM
• Study coordinator: Irma Nareswari, MD

Conditions Neck Pain; Myofascial Pain Syndrome