Actively Recruiting
Comparing the Efficacy of Dry Needling Combined with Passive Stretching and Muscle Energy Technique on Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points Associated with Neck Pain
Led by University of Peradeniya · Updated on 2025-01-17
46
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Comparing Efficacy of Dry Needling Combined with Passive Stretching and Muscle Energy Technique on Myofascial Trigger Points
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Have neck pain lasting at least 3 months
- Have trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle on one or both sides
- Be between 18 and 60 years old
You will not qualify if you...
- Have an ongoing infection or fever
- Have shoulder problems like tendinopathy, impingement syndrome, capsulitis, or bursitis
- Have a history of direct trauma to the shoulder or neck
- Are immunosuppressed, such as having cancer
- Are pregnant or recently gave birth
- Have fibromyalgia
- Have had previous neck or shoulder surgery
- Have had local steroid injections or acupuncture before
- Have any condition limiting neck movement, such as spine degeneration or disc problems seen on MRI
- Have uncontrolled diabetes
- Have needle phobia or metal allergies
- Have cervical instability
- Have local skin infections or lesions
- Have significant cognitive impairment or are uncooperative
- Have had physiotherapy for neck pain or related conditions before this study
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 weeks
Participants receive dry needling combined with either passive stretching or muscle energy technique to treat upper trapezius myofascial trigger points associated with neck pain.
2 visits per week for 2 weeks
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
National Hospital Kandy
Kandy, Central Province, Sri Lanka, 20000
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
Dissanayake
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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