Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)NCT07688317
Dry Needling vs. Cupping Therapy in MPS
A study testing Cupping therapy and Dry needling in people with Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS), run by Turkish League Against Rheumatism at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of dry needling and cupping therapy in patients diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome involving the trapezius, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and levator scapulae muscles. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)
- What is being tested?
- Cupping therapy and Dry needling
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 92 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 15 Mar 2022to 29 Aug 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
- Back pain lasting more than three months
- At least one palpable myofascial TN in the trapezius, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and/or levator scapulae muscles
- Written informed consent
Who cannot join
- Prior dry needling treatment
- Prior cupping therapy
- Severe cognitive dysfunction
- Spinal fracture
- Infection
- Malignancy
Show all 20Show fewer
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Central nervous system injury
- Psychiatric disorder
- Diseases causing tissue degeneration
- Conditions associated with spasticity or cerebrovascular disease
- Cervical radiculopathy due to structural abnormalities
- Muscle or tendon injuries of the shoulder or neck
- Fibromyalgia or other conditions presenting with symptoms similar to myofascial pain syndrome
- Use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy
- Thrombocytopenia or hemorrhagic disorders
- A history of surgery or blood donation within the previous three months
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Presence of renal, hepatic, or severe cardiovascular disease
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Comparison of the Effectiveness of Dry Needling and Cupping Therapy in Patients With Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Trial
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of dry needling and cupping therapy in patients diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome involving the trapezius, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and levator scapulae muscles. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS), the number of trigger points, the Likert satisfaction scale, and the multidimensional quality of life scale.
Read the detailed description
This study evaluated the effectiveness of dry needling (DN) and cupping therapy in 92 patients with chronic myofascial pain syndrome. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one receiving a 10-session cupping regimen and the other undergoing a three-session dry needling protocol, with both groups performing home-based exercises.
Results showed that both treatments significantly reduced pain and improved patient outcomes over three months. When compared directly, cupping therapy was more effective at reducing trigger points and improving overall quality of life. Conversely, dry needling resulted in higher levels of patient satisfaction. In conclusion, both methods are valuable tools for managing myofascial pain, and the choice of treatment may depend on whether the clinical priority is physical symptom relief or patient preference. Further research is recommended to better define the specific long-term applications of these therapies.
- Conditions
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)
- Being tested
- Cupping therapy, Dry needling
- Keywords
- Myofascial pain syndrome, Trigger point, Dry needling, Dry cupping therapy, Wet cupping therapy
- 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.
Cupping therapyProcedure or surgery
In the tenth session, wet cupping was performed directly over the patients' TNs. In addition to the TNs, wet cupping was also applied at the Dazhui DU-14 point in all patients. Before initiating the procedure, the treatment area was disinfected with alcohol. Sterile single-use cups numbered 5 and 6 were applied to the treatment area. After 3 to 5 minutes, the cups were removed one at a time. After the area was cleaned, a No. 15 scalpel blade was used to make shallow vertical cuts at the cupping site. Afterward, the cups were returned to the same places. The procedure was performed three times without making any new cuts. The blood was drained, and the cups were put back on. The entire procedure lasted approximately 20 min. The cups were removed at the end of the procedure, and the area that had been treated was cleaned and covered properly.
Dry needlingProcedure or surgery
Needling was performed while the TNs in the levator scapulae, supraspinatus, and upper part of the trapezius muscles were sitting. Patients were placed in the prone position for the middle and lower parts of the trapezius and infraspinatus muscles. To increase the accuracy of localization and minimize the risk of injury to nearby structures, needling was performed under ultrasound guidance. We used the Esaote MyLab 60 ultrasound machine that we have in our clinic for this. Standard single-use sterile acupuncture needles (0.25 mm × 25 mm) were used.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Cupping therapy arm | Active comparator | Dry cupping was conducted 3 times per week for 9 sessions, followed by one session of wet cupping at the tenth session. Receives: Procedure: Cupping therapy |
| Dry needling arm | Active comparator | Participants in this arm received three sessions of dry needling, administered once per week. Receives: Procedure: Dry needling |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Visual analog scale
The VAS score was used to measure pain intensity in each patient. Patients were told to rate their pain on a 10-cm horizontal line for the VAS test. A score of 0 indicated no pain, a score of 5 indicated moderate pain, and a score of 10 indicated the worst pain.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of the first month
Trigger points count
Trigger points were identified in the trapezius, levator scapulae, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus muscles by the presence of a hypersensitive spot within a palpable taut band, accompanied by a visible or palpable LTR and/or reproduction of referred pain upon palpation of the sensitive point.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of the first month
Multidimensional quality of life score
The multidimensional quality of life scale includes a total of 35 items and assesses nine subdomains, each with four items. The overall score is obtained by summing the responses to all the items. Each item is given a score from 1 to 7, with a total score of 35 to 245. Higher scores indicate better functional status.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of the first month
Likert satisfaction scale
Patient satisfaction was assessed using a Likert scale, where participants were asked to rate their experience by selecting one of the following options: none, mild, moderately good, good, or very good.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of the first month
Secondary outcomes (4)
Visual analog scale
The VAS score was used to measure pain intensity in each patient. Patients were told to rate their pain on a 10-cm horizontal line for the VAS test. A score of 0 indicated no pain, a score of 5 indicated moderate pain, and a score of 10 indicated the worst pain.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of the third month
Trigger points count
Trigger points were identified in the trapezius, levator scapulae, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus muscles by the presence of a hypersensitive spot within a palpable taut band, accompanied by a visible or palpable LTR and/or reproduction of referred pain upon palpation of the sensitive point.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of the third month
Multidimensional quality of life score
The multidimensional quality of life scale includes a total of 35 items and assesses nine subdomains, each with four items. The overall score is obtained by summing the responses to all the items. Each item is given a score from 1 to 7, with a total score of 35 to 245. Higher scores indicate better functional status.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of the third month
Likert satisfaction scale
Patient satisfaction was assessed using a Likert scale, where participants were asked to rate their experience by selecting one of the following options: none, mild, moderately good, good, or very good.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of the third month
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted7 Jul 2026
- Study start15 Mar 2022
- Primary completion30 Jun 2024
- Study completion29 Aug 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- 92 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Turkish League Against Rheumatism
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Atatürk University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Fatma Nur BULDUK, Turkish League Against Rheumatism
- Investigators
- Fatih Baygutalp, Medical doctor, Study director, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ataturk University Faculty of Medicine
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07688317
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- B.30.2.ATA.0.01.00/286
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 30 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 10 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: All the patients' demographic characteristics, including age, sex, educational level, occupation, height and weight
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of the Effectiveness of Dry Needling and Cupping Therapy in Patients With Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07688317
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- B.30.2.ATA.0.01.00/286
- Conditions
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS)
- Keywords
- Myofascial pain syndrome, Trigger point, Dry needling, Dry cupping therapy, Wet cupping therapy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 92 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Turkish League Against RheumatismUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Atatürk University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit
- Study start
- 15 Mar 2022 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jun 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 29 Aug 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 7 Jul 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.
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of dry needling and cupping therapy in patients diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome involving the trapezius, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and levator scapulae muscles. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS), the number of trigger points, the Likert satisfaction scale, and the multidimensional quality of life scale.
Detailed description
This study evaluated the effectiveness of dry needling (DN) and cupping therapy in 92 patients with chronic myofascial pain syndrome. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one receiving a 10-session cupping regimen and the other undergoing a three-session dry needling protocol, with both groups performing home-based exercises.
Results showed that both treatments significantly reduced pain and improved patient outcomes over three months. When compared directly, cupping therapy was more effective at reducing trigger points and improving overall quality of life. Conversely, dry needling resulted in higher levels of patient satisfaction. In conclusion, both methods are valuable tools for managing myofascial pain, and the choice of treatment may depend on whether the clinical priority is physical symptom relief or patient preference. Further research is recommended to better define the specific long-term applications of these therapies.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Cupping therapy arm | Active comparator | Procedure: Cupping therapyDry cupping was conducted 3 times per week for 9 sessions, followed by one session of wet cupping at the tenth session. |
| Dry needling arm | Active comparator | Procedure: Dry needlingParticipants in this arm received three sessions of dry needling, administered once per week. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Back pain lasting more than three months
- At least one palpable myofascial TN in the trapezius, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and/or levator scapulae muscles
- Written informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (20 listed)
- Prior dry needling treatment
- Prior cupping therapy
- Severe cognitive dysfunction
- Spinal fracture
- Infection
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cupping therapyIn the tenth session, wet cupping was performed directly over the patients' TNs. In addition to the TNs, wet cupping was also applied at the Dazhui DU-14 point in all patients. Before initiating the procedure, the treatment area was disinfected with alcohol. Sterile single-use cups numbered 5 and 6 were applied to the treatment area. After 3 to 5 minutes, the cups were removed one at a time. After the area was cleaned, a No. 15 scalpel blade was used to make shallow vertical cuts at the cupping site. Afterward, the cups were returned to the same places. The procedure was performed three times without making any new cuts. The blood was drained, and the cups were put back on. The entire procedure lasted approximately 20 min. The cups were removed at the end of the procedure, and the area that had been treated was cleaned and covered properly. | Procedure or surgery | Cupping therapy arm |
| Dry needlingNeedling was performed while the TNs in the levator scapulae, supraspinatus, and upper part of the trapezius muscles were sitting. Patients were placed in the prone position for the middle and lower parts of the trapezius and infraspinatus muscles. To increase the accuracy of localization and minimize the risk of injury to nearby structures, needling was performed under ultrasound guidance. We used the Esaote MyLab 60 ultrasound machine that we have in our clinic for this. Standard single-use sterile acupuncture needles (0.25 mm × 25 mm) were used. | Procedure or surgery | Dry needling arm |
Primary outcome
Visual analog scale
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the first month
The VAS score was used to measure pain intensity in each patient. Patients were told to rate their pain on a 10-cm horizontal line for the VAS test. A score of 0 indicated no pain, a score of 5 indicated moderate pain, and a score of 10 indicated the worst pain.
Trigger points count
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the first month
Trigger points were identified in the trapezius, levator scapulae, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus muscles by the presence of a hypersensitive spot within a palpable taut band, accompanied by a visible or palpable LTR and/or reproduction of referred pain upon palpation of the sensitive point.
Multidimensional quality of life score
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the first month
The multidimensional quality of life scale includes a total of 35 items and assesses nine subdomains, each with four items. The overall score is obtained by summing the responses to all the items. Each item is given a score from 1 to 7, with a total score of 35 to 245. Higher scores indicate better functional status.
Likert satisfaction scale
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the first month
Patient satisfaction was assessed using a Likert scale, where participants were asked to rate their experience by selecting one of the following options: none, mild, moderately good, good, or very good.
4 secondary outcomes
Visual analog scale
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the third month
Trigger points count
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the third month
Multidimensional quality of life score
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the third month
Likert satisfaction scale
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the third month
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 10 Jul 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. All the patients' demographic characteristics, including age, sex, educational level, occupation, height and weight
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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.
Fatih Baygutalp, Medical doctor study director
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ataturk University Faculty of Medicine
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Cupping therapy and Dry needling in people with Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS), run by Turkish League Against Rheumatism 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 20 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 10 Jul 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?
Visual analog scale (time frame: From enrollment to the end of the first month). The study lists 4 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 10 Jul 2026.