CompletedNot Applicable

the Study Aim to Evaluate the Combined Therapeutic Effects of Dry Needling and Phonophoresis on Myofascial Trigger Points in Patient Suffering From Cervical Spine Postural Deviations. it Focuses on How These Interventions Help Reduce Pain, Relieve Muscle Spasm and Improve Functional Outcomes

Pakistan40 participantsStarted 2026-01-25

Plain-language summary

Postural deviations of the cervical spine, particularly forward head posture (FHP) and altered cervical lordosis, are increasingly common in individuals with prolonged use of computers, mobile phones, and poor sitting posture. These deviations lead to muscular imbalances where weak deep cervical stabilizers coexist with tight, overactive muscles such as the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid. The biomechanical consequences include excessive stress on cervical joints, impaired proprioception, reduced cervical range of motion, and a predisposition to chronic neck pain, cervicogenic headaches, and even temporomandibular disorders. Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius are frequently implicated in these conditions, contributing to pain, stiffness, and sensorimotor dysfunction. Trigger points are characterized by taut muscle bands, localized hypoxia, biochemical mediators of pain, and neuromuscular hyperexcitability. Treatments such as dry needling (DN) aim to mechanically disrupt this pain-spasm cycle by reducing motor end plate irritability and sympathetic overactivity, whereas phonophoresis (PH) enhances trans-dermal absorption of anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs using ultrasound, providing a non-invasive alternative for pain management. Given the high prevalence of cervical postural deviations and the burden of associated pain and disability, there is a need to identify the most effective intervention for MTrPs in this population. This study, therefore, proposes a randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of dry needling and phonophoresis on pain, cervical range of motion, and postural correction in patients with FHP and altered cervical lordosis. The findings aim to guide clinicians in selecting evidence-based treatments to optimize outcomes for patients with cervical spine abnormalities. Study Design: Randomized Control Trial No of groups: 40 (men and women aged 20-55 year) 20 receiving phonophoresis and 20 receiving Dry Needling. Outcomes: 1. Reduction in Neck Pain 2. Cervical Range of Motion

Who can participate

Age range

20 Years – 70 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

. Chronic Neck pain
. Trigger points in Trapezius and Levetor Scapulae
. Duration of Pain from at least 3 months

Exclusion criteria

. Person's History of Neck Surgery
. Local Hemmorhage
. Active infections and Open wounds
. Bleeding disorders

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.

1This trial compared dry needling and phonophoresis for myofascial trigger points in the neck — based on the results they measured, like pain scores and range of motion, does the evidence suggest either approach might be worth trying for my specific situation?
2Since this study is already completed, has my doctor seen or can they access the findings, and do the results change how they'd recommend treating my cervical postural deviation?
3Dry needling involves inserting needles directly into trigger points, which can feel uncomfortable — given my overall health and pain sensitivity, is that something my doctor thinks I could tolerate compared to phonophoresis, which uses ultrasound to deliver medication through the skin?
4This trial was labeled 'Phase NA,' meaning it wasn't testing a brand-new drug in the traditional sense, but rather comparing two physical therapy techniques — does my doctor think the evidence from this kind of study is strong enough to guide my treatment, or would they want to see larger trials first?
5If my doctor thinks one of these treatments looks promising based on this trial, is it something that could be combined with my current treatment plan, or would it replace what I'm already doing for my neck pain and posture?

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

Range Of motion

Timeframe: 4 weeks

Numeric Pain Rating Scale

Timeframe: 4 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07601880

SponsorLahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-05-15

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Trigger Points, Myofascial trials