RecruitingNot Applicable

Comparing Efficacy of Dry Needling Combined with Passive Stretching and Muscle Energy Technique on Myofascial Trigger Points

Sri Lanka46 participantsStarted 2024-09-01

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess and compare the efficacy of dry needling (minimally invasive treatment by using a tiny needle) combined with two types of stretching techniques in patients with neck pain for more than 3 months. The main questions it aims to answer are: Which combination of treatment will 1.give faster relief of pain? 2.improve neck range of motion? and 3.improve disability level of a person with neck pain. Participants who are interested will be selected according to eligibility criteria. Participants will be divided into two groups. Initially researcher will assess and interview the participants. Two groups will receive two different combinations of interventions. Pre and post measurements will be obtained and then treatment efficacy will be assessed.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 60 Years

Sex

ALL

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: * Presence of neck pain for at least 3 months or more * Presence of trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle, either unilaterally or bilaterally * Age between 18 and 60 years Exclusion Criteria: * Having an ongoing infection or fever * Presence of shoulder pathology, such as tendinopathy, impingement syndrome, capsulitis, or bursitis * History of direct trauma to the shoulder or neck * Immunosuppressed individuals (e.g., those with cancer) * Pregnant or recently delivered * Diagnosis of fibromyalgia * History of previous neck or shoulder surgery * Previous local steroid injection or acupuncture * Any abnormality that restricts cervical range of motion (e.g., degenerative changes, cervical spine spondylolisthesis, disc protrusion, extrusion, or sequestration observed in MRI) * Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus * Needle phobia * Metal allergies * Cervical instability * Presence of local skin lesions or infections * Significant cognitive impairment or uncooperative behavior * Participants who have previously undergone any form of physiotherapy intervention for the treatment of neck pain or related conditions

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

Neck pain

Timeframe: 2 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06780904

SponsorUniversity of Peradeniya

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-03-01

Contact for this trial

Dissanayake

0702797349 dilmini008.dd@gmail.com

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Neck Pain trials