Not Yet RecruitingPhase 4

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Dry Needling Versus the Combination of Dry Needling and Local Anesthetic Injection in Myofascial Pain Syndrome of the Upper Trapezius Muscle: A Sham-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial

Turkey (Türkiye)90 participantsStarted 2026-03-01

Plain-language summary

This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of three different treatment protocols in patients diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome of the upper trapezius muscle. A total of 90 volunteers aged between 18 and 65 years, with active trigger points identified in the upper trapezius muscle, will be included in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned to three groups: * Group 1: Dry needling and stretching exercises * Group 2: Dry needling following local anesthetic injection with 1% lidocaine and stretching exercises * Group 3 (Control): Sham dry needling following local anesthetic injection with 1% lidocaine and stretching exercises In all groups, treatment sessions will be administered at weeks 0, 1, 2, and 3; and participants will undergo clinical assessments at baseline (pre-treatment), at the end of treatment, one month after treatment completion, and three months after treatment completion. The primary outcome will be pain severity, measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS); secondary outcomes will include functional status evaluated with the Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPADS) and QuickDASH, and muscle tenderness assessed by pressure pain threshold (PPT) measurement. The findings are expected to contribute scientifically to clinical practice by identifying the most effective treatment combination for managing upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 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: * Being between 18 and 65 years of age * Having a diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome with at least one active trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle according to the criteria of Travell and Simons * Having signed the informed consent form regarding the study * Having a history of muscle pain with VAS \>3 persisting for at least four weeks in the same area (upper trapezius muscle) Exclusion Criteria: * Having a diagnosis of cervical disc herniation, cervical radiculopathy, or myelopathy * A history of central or peripheral nervous system disease (e.g., multiple sclerosis, stroke, peripheral neuropathy) * Diagnosis of a major psychiatric disorder (major depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) or receiving active psychiatric treatment * Having bleeding diathesis, thrombocytopenia, or using anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy for any reason (e.g., warfarin, clopidogrel) * Presence of local infection at the injection site, dermatological lesions disrupting skin integrity, or signs of systemic infection * Being pregnant or breastfeeding * Having undergone injection, prolotherapy, or similar interventional treatment in the upper trapezius region within the last 6 months * Having received dry needling treatment in any region previously * A history of orthopedic or neurosurgical surgery involving the cervical spine, shoulder, or upper trapezius muscle region within the last year * Having a diagnosis of unco…

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

Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS)

Timeframe: It is the change from the baseline (pre-treatment) NRS (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) score to the NRS score at the 3rd month.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07456735

SponsorEmre Ata, Assoc Prof

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-04-20

Contact for this trial

muhammed G GÖRGEL, Resident Doctor

+905462388649 mgorgelitf@gmail.com

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Myofascial Pain of Upper Trapezius Muscle trials