Muscle Position and Dry Needling Efficacy (NCT07629141) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Muscle Position and Dry Needling Efficacy
Spain80 participantsStarted 2026-06-08
Plain-language summary
Currently, no previous studies have investigated how the position of a muscle before dry needling may influence the outcome and effectiveness of the treatment.
This study aims to demonstrate whether the position of the upper trapezius muscle during dry needling treatment influences the outcome of that treatment in subjects with neck pain.
A total of 46 participants with chronic neck pain will be recruited and randomly assigned to two groups: a dry needling group with the muscle in a stretched position and a dry needling group with the muscle in a shortened position. A total of two treatment sessions will be performed, separated by a 7-day interval. The primary outcome measure will be the intensity of neck and head pain, measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). Other variables to be measured include the cervical disability index, kinesiophobia, and catastrophizing (using a self-completion questionnaire), as well as participants' expectations and post-needling pain.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 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
* Neck pain lasting more than 3 months
* Current neck pain greater than 3/10 on the VAS (Visual Analog Scale)
* Presence of active trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle, meeting the following criteria: Painful point within a taut band whose palpation reproduces the patient's symptoms.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Neck pain with a medical diagnosis (fractures, arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc.)
* Radicular pain (paresthesia, burning, electric shocks)
* Whiplash or any recent trauma
* Previous surgery
* Treatment by another physiotherapist within the last 3 months
* Infections
* Needle phobia
* Use of anticoagulant medications
* Pregnancy
* Fibromyalgia
* Metal allergies
* Cognitive deficits or communication problems
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.