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Completed

NCT Number: NCT01290653

Dry Needling Versus Strain-counterstrain on the Upper Trapezius

This study investigates the effect of two different techniques (dry needling and Strain-counterstrain manual technique) on the upper trapezius myofascial trigger point (MTP). Subjects with active or latent MTP in this location of the muscle will be identified and will be randomly assigned to one out of three groups: dry needling, strain-counterstrain or placebo manual technique. Pain pressure threshold, provoked pain, pain at rest, neck disability and electromyography (EMG) activity of the upper trapezius will be registered before and after six sessions of treatment.

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Key information

Conditions

Neck Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera

Moncada, Valencia, 46113, Spain

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Active myofascial trigger point at the upper trapezius

Exclusion criteria

  • Diagnosed fibromyalgia
  • Cervical radiculopathy
  • Facial neuralgia
  • Coagulation alteration
  • Cancer
  • Allergy (included needles)
  • History of cervical or shoulder surgery
  • History of deep venous thrombosis
  • History of myopathy
  • History of infiltration at upper trapezius trigger point
  • Anticoagulant medication
  • Aspirin intake during the last 3 days
  • Drug intake (AINES, narcotics, antiepileptics, or any other analgesic medication)
  • Pregnancy

Treatment and study plan

dry needling

Other

Deep dry needling until achieving twitch response of the muscle

Strain-counterstrain technique

Other

A manual technique to release tension of painful muscles.

Placebo manual technique

Other

A placebo technique, consisting of manual contact of the therapist with the patient without any further therapeutic approach

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain Pressure Threshold

    Time frame: 6 sessions

    Amount of pressure (Kg/cm2) applied at the myofascial trigger point site that elicit pain for the patient will be reported. Analogy pressure algometer(Wagner, FPK 20) will be used.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Pain at rest

    Time frame: 6 sessions

    Visual Analogue Scale

  2. Neck Disability

    Time frame: 6 sessions

    Neck Disability Index

  3. Electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius

    Time frame: 6 sessions

    Surface EMG will be recorded (MP 100 de BIOPAC Systems; Goleta, California, USA). Electrodes will be located to register activity of the Upper trapezius, according to Surface ElectroMyoGraphy for the Non-Invasive Assessment of Muscles (SENIAM) guidelines. Microvolts of activity at rest will be recorded. Data will be normalized through calculation of maximal voluntary contraction, so that final data will be reported as a percentage.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cardenal Herrera University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Dry Needling Versus Strain Counterstrain Technique: Pilot Study Comparing Effects Over the Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Point

Acronym: DNJ

Important dates

Study start
2011
Primary completion
2011
Study completion
2011
First posted
Feb 7, 2011
Registry last updated
May 14, 2014

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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