CompletedNot Applicable

Efficacy of Combination Therapies on Neck Pain & Muscle Tenderness in Patients With Upper Trapezius MTrPs

Saudi Arabia60 participantsStarted 2017-08-11

Plain-language summary

Myofascial pain syndrome thought to be the main cause of neck pain and shoulder muscle tenderness in the working population is characterized by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). This study aimed to examine the immediate and short-term effect of the combination of two therapeutic techniques for improving neck pain and muscle tenderness in patients with upper trapezius Myofascial Trigger points.

Who can participate

Age range

19 Years – 38 Years

Sex

MALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Male subject diagnosed with non-specific neck pain and muscle tenderness over the upper trapezius muscle due to an active MTrP * Age19-38 years * Presence of a maximum of 1-2active MTrPs in a unilateral upper trapezius muscle The number of TrPs in upper trapezius is not limited to two; it may be one or may be more than two (satellite TrPs) also. However, due to time constraints of the study sessions allowed for treatment of up to 2 active MTrPs only. Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria; * Had active MTrPs in the bilateral upper trapezius muscles * Had a history of whiplash injury or cervical spine surgery * Were diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy determined by their primary health care physician * Had accepted myofascial pain therapy within the 1 month before the study * Showed poor cooperation.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Muscle tenderness

Timeframe: Change from baseline PPT scores at day 1 post intervention and after 2-weeks follow-up

Neck pain intensity

Timeframe: Change from baseline VAS scores at day 1 post intervention and after 2-weeks follow-up

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03840473

SponsorKing Saud University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2017-12-19

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Myofascial Trigger Point Pain trials