PRP, PRP with Betamethasone, or Betamethasone Injection for Upper Trapezius Myofascial Pain

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

This randomized, assessor-blinded trial compares three injections for upper trapezius myofascial pain: PRP alone, PRP plus betamethasone, and betamethasone alone. It uses a 3-arm design with equal injection volumes and a single center. Participants are adults aged 18–65 with a history of neck/shoulder pain and a diagnosed active trigger point in the upper trapezius who have not responds to at least four weeks of conservative care. Outcomes are assessed to determine which injection approach provides the greatest relief and functional improvement while avoiding biases related to injection volume. Injection technique is palpation-guided without ultrasound assistance, and outcome assessors are blinded to group assignment.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 65 years
* Presentation to the Orthopedics and Traumatology outpatient clinic with neck and/or shoulder pain
* Diagnosis of upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome based on Simons and Travell criteria, including:
* Presence of a taut band
* Local tenderness
* Referred pain pattern
* Local twitch response
* Presence of a single active trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle
* Symptom duration ≥ 4 weeks
* Pain intensity ≥ 4 on the visual analog scale (VAS)
* Inadequate response to at least 4 weeks of conservative treatment (physical therapy and/or oral analgesics)
* Ability to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of multiple active trigger points
* Diagnosis of fibromyalgia according to ACR 2010 criteria
* Cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy
* Trigger point injection in the same region within the past 3 months
* Coagulopathy or current anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy
* Known allergy or contraindication to corticosteroids, local anesthetics, or PRP components
* Active infection (systemic or local)
* Pregnancy or lactation
* Thrombocytopenia (platelet count \< 100,000/µL)
* Malignancy
* Inability to cooperate or provide informed consent

Where it's running

• Dr. Suat Gunsel University of Kyrenia Hospital
  Kyrenia, Keryneia, Cyprus Recruiting
• Dr. Suat Gunsel University of Kyrenia Hospital
  Kyrenia, Cyprus Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Utku Gurhan, md
• Email: utkugrhn@gmail.com
• Phone: +905391126898

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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.