RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06780904

Comparing Efficacy of Dry Needling Combined with Passive Stretching and Muscle Energy Technique on Myofascial Trigger Points

Comparing the Efficacy of Dry Needling Combined with Passive Stretching and Muscle Energy Technique on Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points Associated with Neck Pain

Sponsor

University of Peradeniya

Enrollment

46 participants

Start Date

Sep 1, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Neck Pain

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess and compare the efficacy of dry needling (minimally invasive treatment by using a tiny needle) combined with two types of stretching techniques in patients with neck pain for more than 3 months. The main questions it aims to answer are: Which combination of treatment will 1.give faster relief of pain? 2.improve neck range of motion? and 3.improve disability level of a person with neck pain. Participants who are interested will be selected according to eligibility criteria. Participants will be divided into two groups. Initially researcher will assess and interview the participants. Two groups will receive two different combinations of interventions. Pre and post measurements will be obtained and then treatment efficacy will be assessed.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 60 Years

Inclusion Criteria3

Presence of neck pain for at least 3 months or more
Presence of trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle, either unilaterally or bilaterally
Age between 18 and 60 years

Exclusion Criteria16

Having an ongoing infection or fever
Presence of shoulder pathology, such as tendinopathy, impingement syndrome, capsulitis, or bursitis
History of direct trauma to the shoulder or neck
Immunosuppressed individuals (e.g., those with cancer)
Pregnant or recently delivered
Diagnosis of fibromyalgia
History of previous neck or shoulder surgery
Previous local steroid injection or acupuncture
Any abnormality that restricts cervical range of motion (e.g., degenerative changes, cervical spine spondylolisthesis, disc protrusion, extrusion, or sequestration observed in MRI)
Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
Needle phobia
Metal allergies
Cervical instability
Presence of local skin lesions or infections
Significant cognitive impairment or uncooperative behavior
Participants who have previously undergone any form of physiotherapy intervention for the treatment of neck pain or related conditions

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Interventions

PROCEDUREDry Needling

Treatment protocol: 1. Dry needling: Prone position, identify trigger points in upper trapezius, use Hong technique with 50mm/0.25 gauge needle, eliciting local twitch response. 2. Passive stretching: Supine position, cervical spine stretched just short of restriction, hold for 30s with 20s rest, repeat 3 times. 3. Muscle Energy Technique: Supine position, identify restriction barrier, move spine away from barrier, instruct patient to isometrically contract opposing movement (25% strength), hold for 7-10s, then stretch towards new barrier for 30s, repeat 3 times.