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Myofascial Pain SyndromeNCT06546124

Treatment of Upper Trapezius Muscle Myofascial Pain Syndrome

A study testing Deep Fascia Dry needling Technique and Intramuscular Trigger Point Dry Needling Technique in people with Myofascial Pain Syndrome, run by Abant Izzet Baysal University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of superficial and deep dry needling techniques, guided by ultrasound, on pain, disability, functional impairment, and quality of life in patients diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome of the upper trapezius muscle. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 20 to 50 years
Conditions the study is for
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
What is being tested?
Deep Fascia Dry needling Technique and Intramuscular Trigger Point Dry Needling Technique
Type of treatment
Injection or infusion
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
80 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
11 Aug 2024to 1 Apr 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 20 to 50 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Diagnosis of MPS in the upper trapezius muscle in accordance with criteria defined by Travell and Simons
  • Ages between 20 and 50 years
  • No treatment, including injections, dry needling, and physical methods, applied to the cervical region in the last three months

Who cannot join

  • Bleeding Tendency
  • History of Neck and Shoulder Trauma
  • Other Conditions Affecting Neck and Shoulder Pain: including malignancy, infection, rheumatic diseases, degenerative joint disease, fibromyalgia, cervical radiculopathy, neuropathy, myelopathy, myopathy, adhesive capsulitis, etc.
  • Cases Where Evaluation Could Not Be Completed for Any Reason
  • Patients Who Refuse to Complete the Evaluations

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Abant Izzet Baysal University

    Bolu, 14100

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Treatment of Upper Trapezius Muscle Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Comparison of Ultrasound- Guided Dry Needling Techniques

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of superficial and deep dry needling techniques, guided by ultrasound, on pain, disability, functional impairment, and quality of life in patients diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome of the upper trapezius muscle.

Read the detailed description

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MAS) is a common condition encountered in the daily practice of musculoskeletal medicine. Dry needling is a commonly used technique by clinicians in the treatment of myofascial trigger points. Dry needling can be classified into two main categories based on the depth of needle insertion: superficial and deep dry needling. Dry needling can be performed using either manual palpation techniques or ultrasonographic imaging. Ultrasound allows for more precise needle placement. It must be recognized that the depth of needling (superficial insertion vs. deep insertion) varies for every structure and that without ultrasound guidance, differentiation between needling into the superficial fascia and beyond the deep fascia maybe difficult. In clinical settings, using ultrasound can help visualize the different layers and guide the needle to the appropriate depth. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of deep fascia and intramuscular trigger point dry needling techniques, guided by ultrasound, on pain, disability, functional impairment, and quality of life in patients diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome of the upper trapezius muscle.

Being tested
Deep Fascia Dry needling Technique, Intramuscular Trigger Point Dry Needling Technique
Medical subject headings
Myofascial Pain Syndromes

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Deep Fascia Dry needling TechniqueOther

    "Participants will undergo a single session of dry needling on the painful area of the upper trapezius muscle on the right and/or left side of the neck, either unilaterally or bilaterally. All participants will be positioned upright in a chair with their backs supported, heads in a neutral position, and arms at their sides. A myofascial trigger point on the upper trapezius muscle will be marked. A sterile acupuncture needle, 0.25 mm in diameter and 40 mm in length, will be used. Under ultrasound guidance, the needle will be inserted at three points, including 1 cm lateral and medial to the marked point, penetrating subcutaneously to the deep fascia. After leaving the needle in place for 5 minutes, it will be rotated clockwise and left in place for an additional 5 minutes. The needles will be removed after a total of 10 minutes. Participants will be advised to perform upper trapezius stretching exercises."

  • Intramuscular Trigger Point Dry Needling TechniqueOther

    "Participants will undergo a single session of dry needling on the painful area of the upper trapezius muscle on the right and/or left side of the neck, either unilaterally or bilaterally. All participants will be positioned upright in a chair with their backs supported, heads in a neutral position, and arms at their sides. A myofascial trigger point on the upper trapezius muscle will be marked. A sterile acupuncture needle, 0.25 mm in diameter and 40 mm in length, will be used. Under ultrasound guidance, the needle will be inserted at three points, including 1 cm lateral and medial to the marked point, penetrating through the deep fascia into the upper trapezius muscle. After leaving the needle in place for 5 minutes, it will be rotated clockwise and left in place for an additional 5 minutes. The needles will be removed after a total of 10 minutes. Participants will be advised to perform upper trapezius stretching exercises."

Study groups in NCT06546124
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Deep fascia dry needling techniqueActive comparatorDeep fascia dry needling technique
Receives: Other: Deep Fascia Dry needling Technique
İntramuscular trigger point dry needling techniqueActive comparatorİntramuscular trigger point dry needling technique
Receives: Other: Intramuscular Trigger Point Dry Needling Technique

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale

    It is used to measure pain. The numerical scale for perceived pain intensity usually includes 11 numbers. The participant selects the number that best reflects their pain. In our study, participants were informed that '0' indicates no pain and '10' represents pain of unbearable intensity.

    Measured: Before treatment

  2. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale

    It is used to measure pain. The numerical scale for perceived pain intensity usually includes 11 numbers. The participant selects the number that best reflects their pain. In our study, participants were informed that '0' indicates no pain and '10' represents pain of unbearable intensity.

    Measured: 1 week after treatment

  3. Pressure Pain Threshold

    A pressure algometer (dolorimeter) is a device used for assessing pain sensitivity and measuring pressure perception. It has been proven useful in evaluating trigger points, arthritis activation, and visceral pain-pressure sensitivity. The pressure algometer consists of a metal piston with a rubber disc at the end, which has a 1 cm² surface, and is connected to a gauge that measures pressure in kilograms of force (kgf). In our study, a manual algometer (Baseline® Dolorimeter, Fabrication Enterprises, Inc, NY, USA) was used. The algometric measurement will be performed three times on the most painful point as reported by the patient and detected by palpation. The average of these three measurements will be included in the evaluation.

    Measured: Before treatment

  4. Pressure Pain Threshold

    A pressure algometer (dolorimeter) is a device used for assessing pain sensitivity and measuring pressure perception. It has been proven useful in evaluating trigger points, arthritis activation, and visceral pain-pressure sensitivity. The pressure algometer consists of a metal piston with a rubber disc at the end, which has a 1 cm² surface, and is connected to a gauge that measures pressure in kilograms of force (kgf). In our study, a manual algometer (Baseline® Dolorimeter, Fabrication Enterprises, Inc, NY, USA) was used. The algometric measurement will be performed three times on the most painful point as reported by the patient and detected by palpation. The average of these three measurements will be included in the evaluation.

    Measured: 1 week after treatment

  5. Neck disability index

    The Neck Disability Index (NDI) Turkish version was used for assessing patients' disability. This index is a scale consisting of 10 questions used to evaluate how and to what extent neck pain affects the patient's daily living activities. The scale includes parameters such as pain intensity, self-care, lifting, reading, headache, concentration, driving, sleep, and social activities. Patients were asked to mark the option that best applies to them from the 6 choices provided for each parameter. Each item is scored from 0 (no disability) to 5 (complete disability). The total score ranges from 0 (no disability) to 50 (total disability). After obtaining the total score, the value calculated according to the formula is expressed as a percentage of impairment. As the score increases, disability increases; as the score decreases, disability decreases.

    Measured: Before treatment

  6. Neck disability index

    The Neck Disability Index (NDI) Turkish version was used for assessing patients' disability. This index is a scale consisting of 10 questions used to evaluate how and to what extent neck pain affects the patient's daily living activities. The scale includes parameters such as pain intensity, self-care, lifting, reading, headache, concentration, driving, sleep, and social activities. Patients were asked to mark the option that best applies to them from the 6 choices provided for each parameter. Each item is scored from 0 (no disability) to 5 (complete disability). The total score ranges from 0 (no disability) to 50 (total disability). After obtaining the total score, the value calculated according to the formula is expressed as a percentage of impairment. As the score increases, disability increases; as the score decreases, disability decreases.

    Measured: 1 week after treatment

  7. Neck bournemouth questionnaire

    Adapted from the Bournemouth Low Back Pain Questionnaire developed by Bolton and Humphreys in 2002, this questionnaire includes variables that must be assessed in individuals with neck pain. The content of the questionnaire covers pain intensity, the impact of pain on daily living activities and social life, anxiety and depression levels, kinesiophobia, and pain coping strategies. Each of the 7 questions is scored from 0 to 10. The highest possible score is 70, with a higher score indicating a higher level of disability.

    Measured: Before treatment

  8. Neck bournemouth questionnaire

    Adapted from the Bournemouth Low Back Pain Questionnaire developed by Bolton and Humphreys in 2002, this questionnaire includes variables that must be assessed in individuals with neck pain. The content of the questionnaire covers pain intensity, the impact of pain on daily living activities and social life, anxiety and depression levels, kinesiophobia, and pain coping strategies. Each of the 7 questions is scored from 0 to 10. The highest possible score is 70, with a higher score indicating a higher level of disability.

    Measured: 1 week after treatment

  9. Joint range of Motion Measurement

    Joint range of motion is measured using a goniometric protractor with the Neutral-0 Method. While the person sits upright in a chair, the goniometer is used to measure the range of motion of the neck in the directions of flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation.

    Measured: Before treatment

  10. Joint range of Motion Measurement

    Joint range of motion is measured using a goniometric protractor with the Neutral-0 Method. While the person sits upright in a chair, the goniometer is used to measure the range of motion of the neck in the directions of flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation.

    Measured: 1 week after treatment

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Advers event

    Follow-up will include assessment of pain-burning sensation, nausea, dizziness, and pain experienced during the procedure.

    Measured: 1 week after treatment

  2. Cutaneous and subcutaneous thickness

    Cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue thickness will be measured with ultrasound at the site of the trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle.

    Measured: Before treatment

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted9 Aug 2024
  2. Study start11 Aug 2024
  3. Primary completion1 Mar 2025
  4. Study completion1 Apr 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
80 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06546124
Sponsor's protocol ID
AIBU-FTR-SK-07
Status last verified
Sep 2025
First submitted
7 Aug 2024
Last updated
27 Jan 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Deep Fascia Dry needling Technique and Intramuscular Trigger Point Dry Needling Technique in people with Myofascial Pain Syndrome, run by Abant Izzet Baysal University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (time frame: Before treatment). The study lists 10 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 27 Jan 2026.

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