Trigger Points, MyofascialDNPP MTrPNCT07601880
the Study Aim to Evaluate the Combined Therapeutic Effects of Dry Needling and Phonophoresis on Myofascial Trigger Points in Patient Suffering From Cervical Spine Postural Deviations. it Focuses on How These Interventions Help Reduce Pain, Relieve Muscle Spasm and Improve Functional Outcomes
A study testing Dry Needling + Phonophoresis and Dry Needling in people with Trigger Points, Myofascial and Cervical Postural Deviation, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Postural deviations of the cervical spine, particularly forward head posture (FHP) and altered cervical lordosis, are increasingly common in individuals with prolonged use of computers, mobile phones, and poor sitting posture. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 70 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Trigger Points, Myofascial, Cervical Postural Deviation
- What is being tested?
- Dry Needling + Phonophoresis and Dry Needling
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 25 Jan 2026to 15 May 2026
- 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 70 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Chronic Neck pain
- Trigger points in Trapezius and Levetor Scapulae
- Duration of Pain from at least 3 months
Who cannot join
- Person's History of Neck Surgery
- Local Hemmorhage
- Active infections and Open wounds
- Bleeding disorders
- use of alcohol or any material that disturbs the consciousness
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Dry Needling and Phonophoresis on Myofascial Trigger Points Among Patient With Postural Deviation of Cervical Spine
Postural deviations of the cervical spine, particularly forward head posture (FHP) and altered cervical lordosis, are increasingly common in individuals with prolonged use of computers, mobile phones, and poor sitting posture. These deviations lead to muscular imbalances where weak deep cervical stabilizers coexist with tight, overactive muscles such as the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid. The biomechanical consequences include excessive stress on cervical joints, impaired proprioception, reduced cervical range of motion, and a predisposition to chronic neck pain, cervicogenic headaches, and even temporomandibular disorders.
Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius are frequently implicated in these conditions, contributing to pain, stiffness, and sensorimotor dysfunction. Trigger points are characterized by taut muscle bands, localized hypoxia, biochemical mediators of pain, and neuromuscular hyperexcitability. Treatments such as dry needling (DN) aim to mechanically disrupt this pain-spasm cycle by reducing motor end plate irritability and sympathetic overactivity, whereas phonophoresis (PH) enhances trans-dermal absorption of anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs using ultrasound, providing a non-invasive alternative for pain management.
Read more
Given the high prevalence of cervical postural deviations and the burden of associated pain and disability, there is a need to identify the most effective intervention for MTrPs in this population. This study, therefore, proposes a randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of dry needling and phonophoresis on pain, cervical range of motion, and postural correction in patients with FHP and altered cervical lordosis. The findings aim to guide clinicians in selecting evidence-based treatments to optimize outcomes for patients with cervical spine abnormalities.
Study Design: Randomized Control Trial No of groups: 40 (men and women aged 20-55 year) 20 receiving phonophoresis and 20 receiving Dry Needling.
Outcomes:
- Reduction in Neck Pain
- Cervical Range of Motion
Read the detailed description
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of dry needling and phonophoresis in releasing myofascial trigger points among patients with cervical postural deviations. A total of 40 participants (men and women aged 20-55 years) with chronic neck pain and active trigger points in the upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles will be recruited using non-probability purposive sampling. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups (20 each) using a double-dummy, participant-blinded design: one group will receive real dry needling with sham phonophoresis, while the other will receive real phonophoresis with sham dry needling. Both groups will also receive baseline stretching exercises.
Phonophoresis will be applied using diclofenac sodium with pulsed ultrasound, while dry needling will involve insertion of a sterile needle to elicit a local twitch response. Outcomes will be assessed over a 4-week period, focusing on improvement in cervical range of motion, and reduction in neck pain. The study seeks to determine which intervention is more effective for managing myofascial trigger points associated with cervical postural dysfunction in patients with chronic neck pain.
- Being tested
- Dry Needling + Phonophoresis, Dry Needling
- Keywords
- Dry Needling, Phonophoresis, Myofascial Trigger points, Cervical postural Deviation, Neck Pain, Cervical Range of Motion
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Dry Needling + PhonophoresisOther
Also called Phonophoresis, dexamethasone
- Diclofenac Sodium medication will be used with ultrasound.
- Ultrasound waves with 1.2 w/cm intensity 60 percent duty cycle will be applied by a Pulsed 1 MHz ultrasound unit for 5 minutes on MTPs Baseline Treatment is stretching
Dry NeedlingOther
•0.25 × 40 millimeter sterilized needle, We will insert the steralized needle into subcutaneous tissue in a position perpendicular to muscle. The needle tip will be inserted into the muscle until a local twitch response is elicited. The same point will be needled for about 60 seconds by rapid inward and outward needle movements Baseline Treatment is stretching
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Experimental | Real Dry needling + sham phonophoresis Receives: Other: Dry Needling |
| Group 2 | Experimental | Sham dry needling + real phonophoresis Receives: Other: Dry Needling + Phonophoresis |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Range Of motion
Cervical Range of motion. These ranges are taken by Goniometer.
Measured: 4 weeks
Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Reduction in neck pain and for its measurement we use Numeric pain rating scale. Scale is scored on 0-10 points. 0 means no pain and 10 means severe/ unbearable pain
Measured: 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted22 May 2026
- Study start25 Jan 2026
- Primary completion15 May 2026
- Study completion15 May 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Trigger Points, MyofascialStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied SciencesThe 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
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Umber Nawaz, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
- Investigators
- Umber Nawaz, Study chair, UBAS
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07601880
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- DPT/ERB/28
- Other IDs
- U1111-1333-4312
- Acronym
- DNPP MTrP
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 15 May 2026
- Last updated
- 18 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Abbaszadeh-Amirdehi M, Ansari NN, Naghdi S, Olyaei G, Nourbakhsh MR. Therapeutic effects of dry needling in patients with upper trapezius myofascial trigger points. Acupunct Med. 2017 Apr;35(2):85-92. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2016-011082. Epub 2016 Oct 3.
PubMed 27697768
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Dry Needling and Phonophoresis on Myofascial Trigger Points Among Patient With Postural Deviation of Cervical Spine
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07601880
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- DNPP MTrP / DPT/ERB/28
- Keywords
- Dry Needling, Phonophoresis, Myofascial Trigger points, Cervical postural Deviation, Neck Pain, Cervical Range of Motion
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Lahore University of Biological and Applied SciencesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 25 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 May 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 22 May 2026 (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.
Postural deviations of the cervical spine, particularly forward head posture (FHP) and altered cervical lordosis, are increasingly common in individuals with prolonged use of computers, mobile phones, and poor sitting posture. These deviations lead to muscular imbalances where weak deep cervical stabilizers coexist with tight, overactive muscles such as the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid. The biomechanical consequences include excessive stress on cervical joints, impaired proprioception, reduced cervical range of motion, and a predisposition to chronic neck pain, cervicogenic headaches, and even temporomandibular disorders.
Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius are frequently implicated in these conditions, contributing to pain, stiffness, and sensorimotor dysfunction. Trigger points are characterized by taut muscle bands, localized hypoxia, biochemical mediators of pain, and neuromuscular hyperexcitability. Treatments such as dry needling (DN) aim to mechanically disrupt this pain-spasm cycle by reducing motor end plate irritability and sympathetic overactivity, whereas phonophoresis (PH) enhances trans-dermal absorption of anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs using ultrasound, providing a non-invasive alternative for pain management.
Given the high prevalence of cervical postural deviations and the burden of associated pain and disability, there is a need to identify the most effective intervention for MTrPs in this population. This study, therefore, proposes a randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of dry needling and phonophoresis on pain, cervical range of motion, and postural correction in patients with FHP and altered cervical lordosis. The findings aim to guide clinicians in selecting evidence-based treatments to optimize outcomes for patients with cervical spine abnormalities.
Study Design: Randomized Control Trial No of groups: 40 (men and women aged 20-55 year) 20 receiving phonophoresis and 20 receiving Dry Needling.
Outcomes:
- Reduction in Neck Pain
- Cervical Range of Motion
Detailed description
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of dry needling and phonophoresis in releasing myofascial trigger points among patients with cervical postural deviations. A total of 40 participants (men and women aged 20-55 years) with chronic neck pain and active trigger points in the upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles will be recruited using non-probability purposive sampling. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups (20 each) using a double-dummy, participant-blinded design: one group will receive real dry needling with sham phonophoresis, while the other will receive real phonophoresis with sham dry needling. Both groups will also receive baseline stretching exercises.
Phonophoresis will be applied using diclofenac sodium with pulsed ultrasound, while dry needling will involve insertion of a sterile needle to elicit a local twitch response. Outcomes will be assessed over a 4-week period, focusing on improvement in cervical range of motion, and reduction in neck pain. The study seeks to determine which intervention is more effective for managing myofascial trigger points associated with cervical postural dysfunction in patients with chronic neck pain.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Experimental | Other: Dry NeedlingReal Dry needling + sham phonophoresis |
| Group 2 | Experimental | Other: Dry Needling + PhonophoresisSham dry needling + real phonophoresis |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Chronic Neck pain
- Trigger points in Trapezius and Levetor Scapulae
- Duration of Pain from at least 3 months
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Person's History of Neck Surgery
- Local Hemmorhage
- Active infections and Open wounds
- Bleeding disorders
- use of alcohol or any material that disturbs the consciousness
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 + PhonophoresisAlso: Phonophoresis, dexamethasone* Diclofenac Sodium medication will be used with ultrasound. * Ultrasound waves with 1.2 w/cm intensity 60 percent duty cycle will be applied by a Pulsed 1 MHz ultrasound unit for 5 minutes on MTPs Baseline Treatment is stretching | Other | Group 2 |
| Dry Needling•0.25 × 40 millimeter sterilized needle, We will insert the steralized needle into subcutaneous tissue in a position perpendicular to muscle. The needle tip will be inserted into the muscle until a local twitch response is elicited. The same point will be needled for about 60 seconds by rapid inward and outward needle movements Baseline Treatment is stretching | Other | Group 1 |
Primary outcome
Range Of motion
Time frame: 4 weeks
Cervical Range of motion. These ranges are taken by Goniometer.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale
Time frame: 4 weeks
Reduction in neck pain and for its measurement we use Numeric pain rating scale. Scale is scored on 0-10 points. 0 means no pain and 10 means severe/ unbearable pain
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 18 Jun 2026.
- Background: PubMed 27697768Abbaszadeh-Amirdehi M, Ansari NN, Naghdi S, Olyaei G, Nourbakhsh MR. Therapeutic effects of dry needling in patients with upper trapezius myofascial trigger points. Acupunct Med. 2017 Apr;35(2):85-92. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2016-011082. Epub 2016 Oct 3.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Related InfoLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Trigger Points, Myofascial
Recruiting
Comparing Myofascial Exercise and Trigger Point Therapy for Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Non-specific Low Back Pain
Not yet recruiting
Trigger Point Injection and Myofascial Release for Cervicogenic Headache
Cervicogenic Headache
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)
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.
Umber Nawaz study chair
UBAS
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 + Phonophoresis and Dry Needling in people with Trigger Points, Myofascial and Cervical Postural Deviation, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences 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 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 18 Jun 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?
Range Of motion (time frame: 4 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07601880, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 18 Jun 2026.