Trigger Point in Trapezius Muscle study: Dry Needling
Official title The Impact of Dry Needling on Electrophysiological and Ultrasound-based Biomarkers for Myofascial Pain
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07270276
What this study is testing
- What it's testing
- The study wants to see whether dry needling reduces pain and whether three muscle tests (electrical impedance, fiber tracking, and ultrasound) can detect any changes.
- Who it's for
- Adults who have a painful, tight spot (trigger point) in the trapezius muscle.
- What's involved
- You will receive one dry‑needling session (or a sham treatment that does not enter the spot), have muscle measurements taken before and after, and fill out a daily pain survey.
- Time commitment
- Two clinic visits (treatment and follow‑up) plus daily online surveys for the study period.
You might receive a placebo (an inactive treatment) instead of the study drug.
A plain-language read of the study's public ClinicalTrials.gov listing. The study team confirms the details.
Who can take part
Ages 18 to 80
You may be able to join if
- Ages 18-80
- Presence of active trigger points with involvement of upper trapezius
- Able to manage breakthrough pain with acetaminophen only, excluding stable doses of pain medications at time of enrollment, which can be continued
You likely can't join if
- Multiple active trigger points in the trapezius muscle if physician assessment concludes that this may interfere with subject's ability to detect...
- Presence of cervical radicular pain, superimposed neuromuscular disease or condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, could confound...
- Fibromyalgia or other generalized pain condition
- Opioid usage in the past 3 months
- Active substance use disorder
- SSRIs, such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline,
See the full eligibility criteria
- Ages 18-80
- Presence of active trigger points with involvement of upper trapezius
- Able to manage breakthrough pain with acetaminophen only, excluding stable doses of pain medications at time of enrollment, which can be continued
- Multiple active trigger points in the trapezius muscle if physician assessment concludes that this may interfere with subject's ability to detect changes in pain improvement from trigger point therapy
- Presence of cervical radicular pain, superimposed neuromuscular disease or condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, could confound interpretation of the data acquired from trapezius.
- Fibromyalgia or other generalized pain condition
- Opioid usage in the past 3 months
- Active substance use disorder
- SSRIs, such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline,
- SNRIs, such as duloxetine, milnacipran, and venlafaxine
- Tricyclic antidepressants, such as notritptyline, amitriptyline, and desipramine
- Alpha 2 delta ligands: pregabalin, gabapentin
- Specific anti-epileptics: topiramate, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, and phenytoin
- Other: quinidine, mexiletine, and dalfampridine
- Skin allergy or sensitivity that would preclude the use of adhesive electrodes
- Significant systemic or psychiatric illness that in the opinion of the site Investigator would interfere with the individual's ability to participate in the trial
- Anticoagulation (with coumadin, clopidogrel, or direct oral anticoagulants; aspirin acceptable)
- TrP needle-based therapy in the past six weeks of the TrP to be studied
- Body mass index \> 35 kg/m2
- Other factor that in the opinion of the site investigator would interfere with the ability to perform the study procedures
The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where it is enrolling
- Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Questions & answers
Do participants get paid in this trial?
This listing doesn't specify compensation. Many trials still reimburse travel or offer a stipend, so it's worth asking the study team when you connect.
Is it free to join, and do I need insurance?
Searching and applying through BridgeMD is free. In clinical trials the study-related treatment and visits are generally provided at no cost to you. You usually don't need insurance to take part, but confirm specifics with the study team.
How long does this study last?
The listing doesn't state an exact length. The study team walks you through the schedule and number of visits before you decide to enroll.
Who can join this trial?
This study is enrolling all sexes, 18 years to 80 years. The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where is this trial taking place?
This study is enrolling now at Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Enter your location above to see the nearest enrolling site and check your eligibility.
Explore other conditions
BridgeMD is an information and trial-matching tool that is independent of the study sponsor. Details come from ClinicalTrials.gov. The study team decides eligibility, and your own doctor gives medical advice.