Trigger Point Pain, MyofascialNCT07062692
Effectiveness of Dry Needling Versus Manual Trigger Point Release on Active Rhomboid Trigger Points
A study testing dry needling trigger release therapy and MANUAL TRIGGER POINT RELEASE in people with Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study compares dry needling and manual trigger point release for treating active rhomboid trigger points in 48 patients, assessing pain, ROM, and function. It addresses a gap in evidence for optimal pain management in upper back myofascial pain. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial
- What is being tested?
- dry needling trigger release therapy and MANUAL TRIGGER POINT RELEASE
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 48 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 23 Apr 2025to 31 Dec 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 60 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Presence of a clinically confirmed active trigger point in the rhomboid muscle based on established criteria (e.g., palpable tight band, local tenderness, referred pain pattern).
- Pain Level: Moderate to severe pain intensity (e.g., 4 or higher on a Visual Analog Scale or Numeric Pain Rating Scale).
- Duration of Symptoms: pain for at least 4 weeks.
Who cannot join
- Patient with conditions that may contribute to neck and subscapular pain other than rhomboid:
- fibromyalgia
- Rheumatic and inflammatory disease
- Recent Surgery
- Diabatic
- Cervical radiculopathy and nerve entrapment
- Pregnancy
- Malignancy
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Riphah International University, Malakand
Chakdara, KPK, 18800
About this study
This study compares dry needling and manual trigger point release for treating active rhomboid trigger points in 48 patients, assessing pain, ROM, and function. It addresses a gap in evidence for optimal pain management in upper back myofascial pain. Findings will guide clinical practice for more effective, evidence-based interventions.
Read the detailed description
This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigates the effectiveness of dry needling versus manual trigger point release in treating active rhomboid trigger points. The study aims to compare the effect of two interventions on pain, range of motion (ROM), and functional outcomes in patients with rhomboid muscle pain.
Participants: 48 individuals (aged 20-60) with clinically confirmed active rhomboid trigger points.
Interventions:
Group 1: Dry needling therapy.
Group 2: Manual trigger point release. Both groups receive adjunct therapies (ultrasound, cold packs, and home exercises).
Outcome Measures: Pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), ROM (goniometer), and function (DASH Questionnaire).
Duration: 2-week intervention with follow-ups at 1 and 2 weeks.
Significance: The study addresses a gap in evidence for rhomboid trigger point treatments, guiding clinical decisions for pain management. Results may optimize therapeutic approaches for upper back pain.
- Conditions
- Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial
- Being tested
- dry needling trigger release therapy, MANUAL TRIGGER POINT RELEASE
- Keywords
- Rhomboid Trigger Points
- 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.
dry needling trigger release therapyOther
The dry needling intervention involved inserting sterile filiform needles directly into active rhomboid trigger points for 1-2 sessions (1 session/week) to elicit local twitch responses and relieve tension.
MANUAL TRIGGER POINT RELEASEOther
The manual trigger point release intervention involved applying sustained pressure to active rhomboid trigger points followed by passive stretching to release muscle tension and improve mobility.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| dry needling trigger release therapy | Experimental | This group will undergo dry needling trigger release therapy. Total of 2 sessions (one per week) followed by home based exercises plan. Treatment protocol of both groups will include Therapeutic ultrasound, Cold pack application and Home based exercise plan. Receives: Other: dry needling trigger release therapy |
| MANUAL TRIGGER POINT RELEASE | Experimental | Manual trigger release will be given to the other group. Total of 2 sessions (one per week) followed by same home based exercises plan will be given to the both groups. Treatment protocol of both groups will include Therapeutic ultrasound, Cold pack application and Home based exercise plan. Receives: Other: MANUAL TRIGGER POINT RELEASE |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS)
A subjective pain assessment tool where patients rate their pain intensity on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
Measured: 2 Weeks
Goniometer
The goniometer is a handheld device with a protractor and movable arms used to precisely measure joint range of motion in degrees.
Measured: 2 Weeks
DASH Questionnaire
The DASH Questionnaire is a 30-item self-report tool assessing upper extremity function and symptoms in daily activities, scored from 0 (no disability) to 100 (severe disability).
Measured: 2 Weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted14 Jul 2025
- Study start23 Apr 2025
- Primary completion28 Jul 2025
- Study completion31 Dec 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Trigger Point Pain, MyofascialStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Amna Anum, ms, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07062692
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC-01017 Khaist Yousafzai
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 3 Jul 2025
- Last updated
- 8 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effectiveness of Dry Needling Versus Manual Trigger Point Release on Active Rhomboid Trigger Points
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07062692
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC-01017 Khaist Yousafzai
- Conditions
- Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial
- Keywords
- Rhomboid Trigger Points
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 23 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 28 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 14 Jul 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study compares dry needling and manual trigger point release for treating active rhomboid trigger points in 48 patients, assessing pain, ROM, and function. It addresses a gap in evidence for optimal pain management in upper back myofascial pain. Findings will guide clinical practice for more effective, evidence-based interventions.
Detailed description
This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigates the effectiveness of dry needling versus manual trigger point release in treating active rhomboid trigger points. The study aims to compare the effect of two interventions on pain, range of motion (ROM), and functional outcomes in patients with rhomboid muscle pain.
Participants: 48 individuals (aged 20-60) with clinically confirmed active rhomboid trigger points.
Interventions:
Group 1: Dry needling therapy.
Group 2: Manual trigger point release. Both groups receive adjunct therapies (ultrasound, cold packs, and home exercises).
Outcome Measures: Pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), ROM (goniometer), and function (DASH Questionnaire).
Duration: 2-week intervention with follow-ups at 1 and 2 weeks.
Significance: The study addresses a gap in evidence for rhomboid trigger point treatments, guiding clinical decisions for pain management. Results may optimize therapeutic approaches for upper back pain.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| dry needling trigger release therapy | Experimental | Other: dry needling trigger release therapyThis group will undergo dry needling trigger release therapy. Total of 2 sessions (one per week) followed by home based exercises plan. Treatment protocol of both groups will include Therapeutic ultrasound, Cold pack application and Home based exercise plan. |
| MANUAL TRIGGER POINT RELEASE | Experimental | Other: MANUAL TRIGGER POINT RELEASEManual trigger release will be given to the other group. Total of 2 sessions (one per week) followed by same home based exercises plan will be given to the both groups. Treatment protocol of both groups will include Therapeutic ultrasound, Cold pack application and Home based exercise plan. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Presence of a clinically confirmed active trigger point in the rhomboid muscle based on established criteria (e.g., palpable tight band, local tenderness, referred pain pattern).
- Pain Level: Moderate to severe pain intensity (e.g., 4 or higher on a Visual Analog Scale or Numeric Pain Rating Scale).
- Duration of Symptoms: pain for at least 4 weeks.
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Patient with conditions that may contribute to neck and subscapular pain other than rhomboid:
- fibromyalgia
- Rheumatic and inflammatory disease
- Recent Surgery
- Diabatic
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| dry needling trigger release therapyThe dry needling intervention involved inserting sterile filiform needles directly into active rhomboid trigger points for 1-2 sessions (1 session/week) to elicit local twitch responses and relieve tension. | Other | dry needling trigger release therapy |
| MANUAL TRIGGER POINT RELEASEThe manual trigger point release intervention involved applying sustained pressure to active rhomboid trigger points followed by passive stretching to release muscle tension and improve mobility. | Other | MANUAL TRIGGER POINT RELEASE |
Primary outcome
Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS)
Time frame: 2 Weeks
A subjective pain assessment tool where patients rate their pain intensity on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
Goniometer
Time frame: 2 Weeks
The goniometer is a handheld device with a protractor and movable arms used to precisely measure joint range of motion in degrees.
DASH Questionnaire
Time frame: 2 Weeks
The DASH Questionnaire is a 30-item self-report tool assessing upper extremity function and symptoms in daily activities, scored from 0 (no disability) to 100 (severe disability).
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 Apr 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial
Recruiting
Comparing Myofascial Exercise and Trigger Point Therapy for Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Non-specific Low Back Pain
Recruiting
Evaluation of the Effect of Adding Sodium Bicarbonate to Lidocaine in the Treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Myofacial Pain, Myofacial Pain Syndrome
Not yet recruiting
Focused Versus Multi-Target Trigger Point Injection for Chronic Myofascial Neck Pain
Myofacial Pain Syndrome, Chronic Neck Pain
Not yet recruitingPhase 4
Botulinum Toxin Type A Versus Triamcinolone for Facial Myalgia
Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)
Not yet recruiting
Comparison of Suboccipital Release and Muscle Energy Technique in Subjects With Mechanical Neck Pain and Forward Head Posture
Myofascial Trigger Points, Neck Pain
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Amna Anum, ms principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing dry needling trigger release therapy and MANUAL TRIGGER POINT RELEASE in people with Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 8 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 8 Apr 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 Pakistan. 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?
Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) (time frame: 2 Weeks). The study lists 3 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 8 Apr 2026.