This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of three different treatment protocols in patients diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome of the upper trapezius muscle. A total of 90 volunteers aged between 18 and 65 years, with active trigger points identified in the upper trapezius muscle, will be included in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned to three groups:
* Group 1: Dry needling and stretching exercises * Group 2: Dry needling following local anesthetic injection with 1% lidocaine and stretching exercises * Group 3 (Control): Sham dry needling following local anesthetic injection with 1% lidocaine and stretching exercises
In all groups, treatment sessions will be administered at weeks 0, 1, 2, and 3; and participants will undergo clinical assessments at baseline (pre-treatment), at the end of treatment, one month after treatment completion, and three months after treatment completion. The primary outcome will be pain severity, measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS); secondary outcomes will include functional status evaluated with the Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPADS) and QuickDASH, and muscle tenderness assessed by pressure pain threshold (PPT) measurement. The findings are expected to contribute scientifically to clinical practice by identifying the most effective treatment combination for managing upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome.
Being between 18 and 65 years of age
Having a diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome with at least one active trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle according to the criteria of Travell and Simons
Having signed the informed consent form regarding the study
Having a history of muscle pain with VAS >3 persisting for at least four weeks in the same area (upper trapezius muscle)
Having a diagnosis of cervical disc herniation, cervical radiculopathy, or myelopathy
A history of central or peripheral nervous system disease (e.g., multiple sclerosis, stroke, peripheral neuropathy)
Diagnosis of a major psychiatric disorder (major depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) or receiving active psychiatric treatment
Having bleeding diathesis, thrombocytopenia, or using anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy for any reason (e.g., warfarin, clopidogrel)
Emre Ata, Assoc Prof
Lead sponsor
Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
Sponsor institution