Comparing Three Injection Treatments for Upper Trapezius Myofascial Pain Syndrome Randomized Controlled Trial of PRP, Betamethasone, and Their Combination

What this Trial Is About

Myofascial pain syndrome MPS is a common muscle condition characterized by painful, sensitive nodules called trigger points, often found in the upper trapezius muscle. Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of three different injection treatments for patients with a single active trigger point who have not improved with standard care. This study is a randomized, controlled trial aiming to compare platelet-rich plasma PRP, PRP combined with betamethasone, and betamethasone alone for treating upper trapezius MPS. Participants will receive a single injection into the trigger point using one of three protocols PRP plus bupivacaine PRP plus betamethasone plus bupivacaine or betamethasone plus bupivacaine with saline. All injections are given using a palpation-guided technique by the same investigator, with equal total injection volumes to avoid bias. PRP is prepared from the participants own blood using a double centrifugation method and applied within 30 minutes. The study compares these three approaches to see which may better reduce pain and improve function. Throughout the study, participants will attend assessments at baseline, 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. These evaluations include pain measurement using a visual analog scale VAS, pressure pain threshold, cervical range of motion, use of rescue pain medication, recurrence of symptoms, patient satisfaction, and monitoring for any adverse events. The primary outcome is the change in pain intensity at 3 months. The trial lasts until 6 months post-injection and is conducted with blinded outcome assessments to ensure objective results.

PRP vs PRP+Betamethasone vs Betamethasone Injection for Upper Trapezius Myofascial Pain