Neck PainDN-EDN-NPNCT07775144
Dry Needling vs Electrical Dry Needling for Myofascial Neck Pain
A study testing Dry Needling and Electrical Dry Needling in people with Neck Pain and Myofascial Pain Syndrome - Neck, run by University of Faisalabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Neck pain caused by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) is common and is associated with pain, psychological distress, and kinesiophobia (fear of movement). This randomized clinical trial compared Dry Needling (DN) and Electrical Dry Needling (EDN), each delivered once weekly for six weeks, in adults with neck pain due… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Neck Pain, Myofascial Pain Syndrome - Neck, Trigger Point Pain
- What is being tested?
- Dry Needling and Electrical Dry Needling
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 34 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 24 Apr 2026to 8 Aug 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 18 to 60 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 18-60 years of either gender.
- Neck pain duration ≥ 3 weeks.
- Presence of at least one active myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, SCM, splenius capitis, or scalenes, confirmed using Travell and Simons' criteria.
- Pain intensity ≥ 4 on NPRS (0-10) at baseline.
- Ability to understand and complete questionnaires.
- Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent.
Who cannot join
- History of cervical spine trauma, fracture, or surgery.
- Diagnosis of neurological deficits.
- Systemic diseases affecting muscles or joints.
- Use of anticoagulant therapy or bleeding disorders.
- Pregnancy or lactation.
- Active infection or skin lesions in the cervical region.
- Previous dry needling or electrical dry needling treatment in the past 6 months.
- Allergy to needles or local anesthetics if used.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Dry Needling Versus Electrical Dry Needling on Myofascial Trigger Point-Induced Neck Pain, Psychological Distress, and Kinesiophobia
Neck pain caused by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) is common and is associated with pain, psychological distress, and kinesiophobia (fear of movement). This randomized clinical trial compared Dry Needling (DN) and Electrical Dry Needling (EDN), each delivered once weekly for six weeks, in adults with neck pain due to MTrPs. The study measured changes in pain intensity, psychological distress (depression, anxiety, stress), and kinesiophobia before and after treatment, to determine whether adding electrical stimulation to dry needling provides additional benefit over dry needling alone.
Read the detailed description
This randomized clinical trial was conducted at Madinah Teaching Hospital, Health 360, and Holistic Medical Care in Faisalabad. A total of 75 participants were screened; 34 met the inclusion criteria (adults aged 18-60 years with neck pain of at least 3 weeks' duration, at least one active myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, splenius capitis, or scalenes, and pain intensity of at least 4 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale) and were randomized into two equal groups using simple random sampling. Group A (n=17) received Dry Needling and Group B (n=17) received Electrical Dry Needling, one session per week for six weeks. Dry Needling used the Hong fast-in/fast-out technique to elicit local twitch responses followed by ischemic compression. Electrical Dry Needling involved needle insertion into the trigger point/taut band followed by low-frequency (2 Hz) continuous biphasic electrical current applied for 30 minutes. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11). One participant dropped out of each group, leaving 32 participants (16 per group) in the final analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 with parametric (paired and independent samples t-tests) and nonparametric (Wilcoxon Signed-Rank, Mann-Whitney U) tests as appropriate.
- Being tested
- Dry Needling, Electrical Dry Needling
- Keywords
- Dry needling, Electrical dry needling, neck pain, myofascial trigger point, kinesiophobia, psychological distress
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain, Kinesiophobia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Dry NeedlingProcedure or surgery
Stainless-steel acupuncture needles inserted via guide tubes using the Hong technique (rapid insertion/withdrawal in multiple directions) to elicit up to 5 local twitch responses at the active myofascial trigger point, followed by ischemic (Travell and Simons) compression until pain decreased, repeated over several cycles for a total of 2 minutes. One session weekly for 6 weeks.
Electrical Dry NeedlingProcedure or surgery
Needle inserted (after cleaning with sterile alcohol) into the diagnosed active or latent myofascial trigger point/taut band, manipulated bidirectionally to elicit pain/tingling/pressure/heaviness/warmth, then connected to a low-frequency (2 Hz) continuous biphasic electrical current at a mild-to-moderate intensity, left in place for 30 minutes. One session weekly for 6 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group A: Dry Needling | Active comparator | Participants received Dry Needling using the Hong fast-in/fast-out technique to elicit up to five local twitch responses, followed by ischemic (Travell and Simons) compression over the trigger point until the painful sensation decreased (total ~2 minutes). One session per week for 6 weeks (17 randomized, 16 completed). Receives: Procedure: Dry Needling |
| Group B: Electrical Dry Needling | Experimental | Participants received Electrical Dry Needling: needle insertion into the diagnosed active/latent myofascial trigger point or taut band, followed by application of a low-frequency (2 Hz) continuous biphasic electrical current at a mild-to-moderate intensity for 30 minutes. One session per week for 6 weeks (17 randomized, 16 completed). Receives: Procedure: Electrical Dry Needling |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Intensity
Measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), an 11-point scale where 0 = "no pain" and 10 = "worst pain imaginable".
Measured: Baseline (pre-treatment) and Week 6 (post-treatment)
Secondary outcomes (2)
Psychological Distress
Measured using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), covering depression, anxiety, and stress subscales.
Measured: Baseline (pre-treatment) and Week 6 (post-treatment)
Kinesiophobia
Measured using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11), an 11-item scale assessing fear of movement/re-injury.
Measured: Baseline (pre-treatment) and Week 6 (post-treatment)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Aug 2026
- Study start24 Apr 2026
- Primary completion7 Jul 2026
- Study completion8 Aug 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 Neck PainStudies 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
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Faisalabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Dr Muhammad Ateeb, PhD Public Health, Study chair, The University Of Faisalabad
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07775144
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2024-MS-PT-037
- Acronym
- DN-EDN-NP
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 15 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 20 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Alghamdi MS, Alghamdi AF, Almalawi AM et al. (2023) The association between neck pain and psychological distress experienced by King Abdulaziz University students: A cross-sectional study. Cureus 15(3): e35685. Brennan K, Elifritz KM, Comire MM et al. (2021) Rate and maintenance of improvement of myofascial pain with dry needling alone vs dry needling with intramuscular electrical stimulation: A randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy 29(4): 216-226. Cagnie B, Danneels L, Van Tiggelen D et al. (2007) Individual and work-related risk factors for neck pain among office workers: A cross-sectional study. European Spine Journal 16(5): 679-686. Hernandez JVL, Calvo-Lobo C, Zugasti AM et al. (2021) Effectiveness of dry needling with percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of high frequency versus low frequency in patients with myofascial neck pain. Pain Physician 24(2): 135- 143. Lara-Palomo IC, Gil-Martínez E, Antequera-Soler E et al. (2022) Electrical dry needling versus conventional physiotherapy in the treatment of active and latent myofascial trigger points in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain. Trials 23(1): 238. Moro MZ, De Oliveira Vidal EI, Pinheiro Módolo NS et al. (2024) Dry needling, trigger point electroacupuncture and motor point electroacupuncture for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome involving the trapezius: A randomized clinical trial. Acupuncture in Medicine 42(1): 3-13. Safran E and Kaya Y (2025) Contextual and placebo effects of suboccipital myofascial release: evaluating its influence on pain threshold, cervical range of motion, and proprioception. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 26(1): 502. Umair A, Ghafoor I, Malik S et al. (2024) Effectiveness of manual compression and stretching for the myofascial trigger points in upper trapezius and levator scapulae in office workers. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research 4(2): 1301-1306. Valiente-Castrillo P, Martin-Pintado-Zugasti A, Calvo-Lobo C et
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Dry Needling Versus Electrical Dry Needling on Myofascial Trigger Point-Induced Neck Pain, Psychological Distress, and Kinesiophobia
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07775144
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- DN-EDN-NP / 2024-MS-PT-037
- Keywords
- Dry needling, Electrical dry needling, neck pain, myofascial trigger point, kinesiophobia, psychological distress
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of FaisalabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 24 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 7 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 8 Aug 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 20 Aug 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.
Neck pain caused by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) is common and is associated with pain, psychological distress, and kinesiophobia (fear of movement). This randomized clinical trial compared Dry Needling (DN) and Electrical Dry Needling (EDN), each delivered once weekly for six weeks, in adults with neck pain due to MTrPs. The study measured changes in pain intensity, psychological distress (depression, anxiety, stress), and kinesiophobia before and after treatment, to determine whether adding electrical stimulation to dry needling provides additional benefit over dry needling alone.
Detailed description
This randomized clinical trial was conducted at Madinah Teaching Hospital, Health 360, and Holistic Medical Care in Faisalabad. A total of 75 participants were screened; 34 met the inclusion criteria (adults aged 18-60 years with neck pain of at least 3 weeks' duration, at least one active myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, splenius capitis, or scalenes, and pain intensity of at least 4 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale) and were randomized into two equal groups using simple random sampling. Group A (n=17) received Dry Needling and Group B (n=17) received Electrical Dry Needling, one session per week for six weeks. Dry Needling used the Hong fast-in/fast-out technique to elicit local twitch responses followed by ischemic compression. Electrical Dry Needling involved needle insertion into the trigger point/taut band followed by low-frequency (2 Hz) continuous biphasic electrical current applied for 30 minutes. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11). One participant dropped out of each group, leaving 32 participants (16 per group) in the final analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 with parametric (paired and independent samples t-tests) and nonparametric (Wilcoxon Signed-Rank, Mann-Whitney U) tests as appropriate.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group A: Dry Needling | Active comparator | Procedure: Dry NeedlingParticipants received Dry Needling using the Hong fast-in/fast-out technique to elicit up to five local twitch responses, followed by ischemic (Travell and Simons) compression over the trigger point until the painful sensation decreased (total ~2 minutes). One session per week for 6 weeks (17 randomized, 16 completed). |
| Group B: Electrical Dry Needling | Experimental | Procedure: Electrical Dry NeedlingParticipants received Electrical Dry Needling: needle insertion into the diagnosed active/latent myofascial trigger point or taut band, followed by application of a low-frequency (2 Hz) continuous biphasic electrical current at a mild-to-moderate intensity for 30 minutes. One session per week for 6 weeks (17 randomized, 16 completed). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Adults aged 18-60 years of either gender.
- Neck pain duration ≥ 3 weeks.
- Presence of at least one active myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, SCM, splenius capitis, or scalenes, confirmed using Travell and Simons' criteria.
- Pain intensity ≥ 4 on NPRS (0-10) at baseline.
- Ability to understand and complete questionnaires.
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- History of cervical spine trauma, fracture, or surgery.
- Diagnosis of neurological deficits.
- Systemic diseases affecting muscles or joints.
- Use of anticoagulant therapy or bleeding disorders.
- Pregnancy or lactation.
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 NeedlingStainless-steel acupuncture needles inserted via guide tubes using the Hong technique (rapid insertion/withdrawal in multiple directions) to elicit up to 5 local twitch responses at the active myofascial trigger point, followed by ischemic (Travell and Simons) compression until pain decreased, repeated over several cycles for a total of 2 minutes. One session weekly for 6 weeks. | Procedure or surgery | Group A: Dry Needling |
| Electrical Dry NeedlingNeedle inserted (after cleaning with sterile alcohol) into the diagnosed active or latent myofascial trigger point/taut band, manipulated bidirectionally to elicit pain/tingling/pressure/heaviness/warmth, then connected to a low-frequency (2 Hz) continuous biphasic electrical current at a mild-to-moderate intensity, left in place for 30 minutes. One session weekly for 6 weeks. | Procedure or surgery | Group B: Electrical Dry Needling |
Primary outcome
Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline (pre-treatment) and Week 6 (post-treatment)
Measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), an 11-point scale where 0 = "no pain" and 10 = "worst pain imaginable".
2 secondary outcomes
Psychological Distress
Time frame: Baseline (pre-treatment) and Week 6 (post-treatment)
Kinesiophobia
Time frame: Baseline (pre-treatment) and Week 6 (post-treatment)
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 20 Aug 2026.
- BackgroundAlghamdi MS, Alghamdi AF, Almalawi AM et al. (2023) The association between neck pain and psychological distress experienced by King Abdulaziz University students: A cross-sectional study. Cureus 15(3): e35685. Brennan K, Elifritz KM, Comire MM et al. (2021) Rate and maintenance of improvement of myofascial pain with dry needling alone vs dry needling with intramuscular electrical stimulation: A randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy 29(4): 216-226. Cagnie B, Danneels L, Van Tiggelen D et al. (2007) Individual and work-related risk factors for neck pain among office workers: A cross-sectional study. European Spine Journal 16(5): 679-686. Hernandez JVL, Calvo-Lobo C, Zugasti AM et al. (2021) Effectiveness of dry needling with percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of high frequency versus low frequency in patients with myofascial neck pain. Pain Physician 24(2): 135- 143. Lara-Palomo IC, Gil-Martínez E, Antequera-Soler E et al. (2022) Electrical dry needling versus conventional physiotherapy in the treatment of active and latent myofascial trigger points in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain. Trials 23(1): 238. Moro MZ, De Oliveira Vidal EI, Pinheiro Módolo NS et al. (2024) Dry needling, trigger point electroacupuncture and motor point electroacupuncture for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome involving the trapezius: A randomized clinical trial. Acupuncture in Medicine 42(1): 3-13. Safran E and Kaya Y (2025) Contextual and placebo effects of suboccipital myofascial release: evaluating its influence on pain threshold, cervical range of motion, and proprioception. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 26(1): 502. Umair A, Ghafoor I, Malik S et al. (2024) Effectiveness of manual compression and stretching for the myofascial trigger points in upper trapezius and levator scapulae in office workers. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research 4(2): 1301-1306. Valiente-Castrillo P, Martin-Pintado-Zugasti A, Calvo-Lobo C et
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Dr Muhammad Ateeb, PhD Public Health study chair
The University Of Faisalabad
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 and Electrical Dry Needling in people with Neck Pain and Myofascial Pain Syndrome - Neck, run by University of Faisalabad 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 6 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 20 Aug 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?
Pain Intensity (time frame: Baseline (pre-treatment) and Week 6 (post-treatment)). 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 NCT07775144, 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 20 Aug 2026.