Effectiveness of Dry Needling Combined with Passive Stretching or Muscle Energy Technique for Treating Upper Trapezius Trigger Points in Neck Pain Patients

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how effective dry needling combined with two different stretching methods is for people who have had neck pain for more than 3 months. The study aims to find out which treatment combination provides faster pain relief, improves neck movement, and reduces disability in those with neck pain. The trial involves comparing these two approaches to better understand their effects on upper trapezius muscle trigger points. Participants will be randomly divided into two groups. One group will receive dry needling plus passive stretching, while the other group will receive dry needling combined with muscle energy technique. Treatments will be given twice a week for two weeks. Before and after the interventions, researchers will assess pain using a visual scale, measure neck range of motion with a goniometer, and evaluate disability levels using a neck disability index. Participants will be interviewed and assessed at the start and after the last treatment session. Researchers will collect data on pain, neck movement, and disability to compare results between the two groups. Statistical analysis will be performed to understand the treatment effects. The entire study participation lasts about two weeks, during which safety and effectiveness of the treatments will be monitored.

Comparing Efficacy of Dry Needling Combined with Passive Stretching and Muscle Energy Technique on Myofascial Trigger Points