CompletedNot Applicable

Dose Related Effects of Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy on Upper Trapezius Trigger Points in Patients With Cervicogenic Headache.

Egypt135 participantsStarted 2025-03-01

Plain-language summary

A randomized double blinded controlled trial will be conducted to determine and compare the effects of low and medium dose radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy on upper trapezius trigger points in patients with cervicogenic headache. Data will be collected at base line and at the end of the treatment program. Participants will be assigned randomly into three groups Group (A) will receive 2000 shock waves at frequency 10 MHz and 0.045 mj/mm2 flux density plus strengthening and stretching exercise for upper trapezius muscle. Group (B) will receive 2000 shock waves at frequency 10 MHz and 0.18 mj/mm2 energy flux density plus strengthening and stretching exercise for upper trapezius muscle. Group (C) will receive sham shock wave therapy plus strengthening and stretching exercise for upper trapezius muscle.

Who can participate

Age range

40 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: * Symptoms of mechanical neck pain lasting for more than three months * Skeletal muscle with a palpable taut band * Hypersensitive point inside the taut band with the ability to reproduce referred pain when the sensitive spot is palpated, * Joint soreness in at least one of the upper cervical spine's joints (c1-c3) * Unilateral discomfort that originates in the neck and radiates to the frontotemporal area * Pain that is made worse by moving the neck * Headaches that occur at least once a week for a duration longer than three months. Exclusion Criteria: * Other primary headaches (i.e., migraine, tension-type headache) * Bilateral headaches, * Other defined cervical problem such as fracture, dislocation, skin disease, illness that is inflammatory, neural illness, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, a birth defect, tumor, or infection.

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

Henry Ford Hospital Headache disability inventory (HDI)

Timeframe: before the first session and after the last session (Four weeks)

Upper trapezius electromyographic activity

Timeframe: before the first session and after the last session (Four weeks)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06879418

SponsorMTI University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-08-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Cervicogenic Headache trials