Efficacy of Focused ESWT and Dry Needling Among Patients With Myofascial Pain Syndrome of the Upp… (NCT07397039) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Efficacy of Focused ESWT and Dry Needling Among Patients With Myofascial Pain Syndrome of the Upper Trapezius Muscle
Thailand53 participantsStarted 2022-12-01
Plain-language summary
Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal pain. Among patients with MPS, the upper trapezius muscle appears to be the common muscle that generates pain in the area of upper extremity. The main target treatment for MPS is to eradicate the painful trigger points by using treatment options, such as ultrasound, laser, and dry needling (DN). In the past decade, focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (fESWT) has become the well-known treatment for pain relief in various musculoskeletal pain conditions. The main advantages of this non-invasive treatment modality are reducing pain, inflammation and promoting tissue healing. However, there were no previous studies compared effects of fESWT to dry needling. Therefore, the present study aims to compare the efficacy of the two treatments in terms of pain reduction and functional improvement.
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:
* The participant who is diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome based on the criteria listed below:
The trigger point must be in a taut band of the upper trapezius muscle. The trigger point in the muscle is hypersensitivity to pain. Pain radiates to the specific pattern of the upper trapezius muscle. When pressure is applied to the trigger point, the participant perceives the same pain sensation as their pain complaint.
* The participant who has a VAS score of \> or = 5 points
* The participant who has had myofascial pain for \> or = 3 months
Exclusion Criteria: The participant who has
* Unresolved neurological or musculoskeletal problems, such as fibromyalgia, cervical radiculopathy, and cervical spine fracture.
* History of cervical spine or shoulder surgery
* Uncontrolled underlying diseases, such as psychological problems, cancer, or acute renal or hepatic failure
* Received treatment by other physical modalities or steroid injection into the trigger point within 3 months, or was treated by analgesic drugs within 2 weeks.
* Contraindicated to ESWT or DN
* Refuse to attend the study
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
1
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
Timeframe: Changes in VAS were assessed at baseline, and at 4 and 6 weeks following baseline.