By InvitationNot Applicable

Comparing Deep and Superficial Dry Needling for Neck Pain: An Ultrasound and EMG Study

Saudi Arabia44 participantsStarted 2025-10-01

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this clinical trial is to compare the effects of deep versus superficial dry needling (DN) on the ultrasound and electromyographic (EMG) characteristics of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the upper trapezius muscle of patients with neck pain. Researchers aim to determine which dry needling technique produces greater improvements in muscle properties (ultrasound and EMG findings), pain intensity, and functional disability. Intervention: Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either deep DN or superficial DN. Each participant will undergo four treatment sessions over a two-week period. Assessments: Outcomes will be measured at three time points: * Baseline (before treatment) * Post-treatment (end of week 2) * Follow-up (4 weeks after treatment)

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: * Patients with neck pain * Has least one active myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle Exclusion Criteria: * whiplash injury * Prior cervical surgery * Cervical radiculopathy * Fibromyalgia * Using analgesic treatment (e.g., physiotherapy or medication) within the week preceding participation * Psychiatric disorders * Any contraindication to dry needling (e.g., needle phobia and/or anticoagulant use).

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

Upper Trapezius Muscle Thickness by B-mode Sonography

Timeframe: Baseline, Post two weeks and post 4 weeks

Upper Trapezius Muscle Stiffness by Strain Elastography

Timeframe: Baseline, Post two weeks and post 4 weeks

Blood Flow by Doppler ultrasonography

Timeframe: Baseline, Post two weeks and post 4 weeks

Upper Trapezius Muscle Activity and Fatigability by Surface Electromyography

Timeframe: Baseline, Post two weeks and post 4 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07637552

SponsorQatif Central Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-10-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Neck Pain trials

Plain-language summary

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.

What they're measuring

Upper Trapezius Muscle Thickness by B-mode Sonography

Timeframe: Baseline, Post two weeks and post 4 weeks

Upper Trapezius Muscle Stiffness by Strain Elastography

Timeframe: Baseline, Post two weeks and post 4 weeks

Blood Flow by Doppler ultrasonography

Timeframe: Baseline, Post two weeks and post 4 weeks

Upper Trapezius Muscle Activity and Fatigability by Surface Electromyography

Timeframe: Baseline, Post two weeks and post 4 weeks