RecruitingPhase 4

PRP vs PRP+Betamethasone vs Betamethasone Injection for Upper Trapezius Myofascial Pain

Cyprus150 participantsStarted 2026-05-15

Plain-language summary

Brief Summary Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by active trigger points (TrPs), which are hypersensitive, painful nodules within taut bands of skeletal muscle. The upper trapezius muscle is one of the most frequently affected sites. Trigger point injection (TPI) is a widely used minimally invasive treatment for patients who are refractory to conservative management. Corticosteroids provide rapid anti-inflammatory effects, whereas platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has regenerative properties through growth factors that may support tissue healing. Despite their widespread use, the optimal injectate for TPI remains unclear. Additionally, the potential benefit of combining PRP with corticosteroids has not been adequately studied in upper trapezius MPS. This study is a single-center, prospective, randomized, assessor-blinded controlled trial designed to compare the clinical effectiveness of three injection protocols: (1) PRP plus bupivacaine, (2) PRP plus betamethasone plus bupivacaine, and (3) betamethasone plus bupivacaine with saline (volume-matched control). A total of 150 patients with a single active trigger point in the upper trapezius will be included. The primary outcome is pain intensity measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include pressure pain threshold (PPT), cervical range of motion (ROM), rescue analgesic use, recurrence rate, and adverse events at 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. All injections are performed by the same investigator using a palpation-guided technique, and outcome assessments are conducted by a blinded evaluator.

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: * Age between 18 and 65 years * Presentation to the Orthopedics and Traumatology outpatient clinic with neck and/or shoulder pain * Diagnosis of upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome based on Simons and Travell criteria, including: * Presence of a taut band * Local tenderness * Referred pain pattern * Local twitch response * Presence of a single active trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle * Symptom duration ≥ 4 weeks * Pain intensity ≥ 4 on the visual analog scale (VAS) * Inadequate response to at least 4 weeks of conservative treatment (physical therapy and/or oral analgesics) * Ability to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of multiple active trigger points * Diagnosis of fibromyalgia according to ACR 2010 criteria * Cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy * Trigger point injection in the same region within the past 3 months * Coagulopathy or current anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy * Known allergy or contraindication to corticosteroids, local anesthetics, or PRP components * Active infection (systemic or local) * Pregnancy or lactation * Thrombocytopenia (platelet count \< 100,000/µL) * Malignancy * Inability to cooperate or provide informed consent

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

Change in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Pain Score

Timeframe: Baseline to 3 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07547605

SponsorUniversity of Kyrenia

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-12

Contact for this trial

Utku Gurhan, md

+905391126898 utkugrhn@gmail.com

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome trials