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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07688317

Dry Needling vs. Cupping Therapy in MPS

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of dry needling and cupping therapy in patients diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome involving the trapezius, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and levator scapulae muscles. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS), the number of trigger points, the Likert satisfaction scale, and the multidimensional quality of life scale.

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Key information

Conditions

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Myofascial Pain Syndromes

Age range

20 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Ataturk University

Erzurum, 25240, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

This study evaluated the effectiveness of dry needling (DN) and cupping therapy in 92 patients with chronic myofascial pain syndrome. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one receiving a 10-session cupping regimen and the other undergoing a three-session dry needling protocol, with both groups performing home-based exercises.

Results showed that both treatments significantly reduced pain and improved patient outcomes over three months. When compared directly, cupping therapy was more effective at reducing trigger points and improving overall quality of life. Conversely, dry needling resulted in higher levels of patient satisfaction. In conclusion, both methods are valuable tools for managing myofascial pain, and the choice of treatment may depend on whether the clinical priority is physical symptom relief or patient preference. Further research is recommended to better define the specific long-term applications of these therapies.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Back pain lasting more than three months
  • At least one palpable myofascial TN in the trapezius, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and/or levator scapulae muscles
  • Written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Prior dry needling treatment
  • Prior cupping therapy
  • Severe cognitive dysfunction
  • Spinal fracture
  • Infection
  • Malignancy
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Central nervous system injury
  • Psychiatric disorder
  • Diseases causing tissue degeneration
  • Conditions associated with spasticity or cerebrovascular disease
  • Cervical radiculopathy due to structural abnormalities
  • Muscle or tendon injuries of the shoulder or neck
  • Fibromyalgia or other conditions presenting with symptoms similar to myofascial pain syndrome
  • Use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy
  • Thrombocytopenia or hemorrhagic disorders
  • A history of surgery or blood donation within the previous three months
  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding
  • Presence of renal, hepatic, or severe cardiovascular disease

Treatment and study plan

Cupping therapy

Procedure

In the tenth session, wet cupping was performed directly over the patients' TNs. In addition to the TNs, wet cupping was also applied at the Dazhui DU-14 point in all patients. Before initiating the procedure, the treatment area was disinfected with alcohol. Sterile single-use cups numbered 5 and 6 were applied to the treatment area. After 3 to 5 minutes, the cups were removed one at a time. After the area was cleaned, a No. 15 scalpel blade was used to make shallow vertical cuts at the cupping site. Afterward, the cups were returned to the same places. The procedure was performed three times without making any new cuts. The blood was drained, and the cups were put back on. The entire procedure lasted approximately 20 min. The cups were removed at the end of the procedure, and the area that had been treated was cleaned and covered properly.

dry needling

Procedure

Needling was performed while the TNs in the levator scapulae, supraspinatus, and upper part of the trapezius muscles were sitting. Patients were placed in the prone position for the middle and lower parts of the trapezius and infraspinatus muscles. To increase the accuracy of localization and minimize the risk of injury to nearby structures, needling was performed under ultrasound guidance. We used the Esaote MyLab 60 ultrasound machine that we have in our clinic for this. Standard single-use sterile acupuncture needles (0.25 mm × 25 mm) were used.

Primary outcomes

  1. Visual analog scale

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the first month

    The VAS score was used to measure pain intensity in each patient. Patients were told to rate their pain on a 10-cm horizontal line for the VAS test. A score of 0 indicated no pain, a score of 5 indicated moderate pain, and a score of 10 indicated the worst pain.

  2. Trigger points count

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the first month

    Trigger points were identified in the trapezius, levator scapulae, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus muscles by the presence of a hypersensitive spot within a palpable taut band, accompanied by a visible or palpable LTR and/or reproduction of referred pain upon palpation of the sensitive point.

  3. Multidimensional quality of life score

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the first month

    The multidimensional quality of life scale includes a total of 35 items and assesses nine subdomains, each with four items. The overall score is obtained by summing the responses to all the items. Each item is given a score from 1 to 7, with a total score of 35 to 245. Higher scores indicate better functional status.

  4. Likert satisfaction scale

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the first month

    Patient satisfaction was assessed using a Likert scale, where participants were asked to rate their experience by selecting one of the following options: none, mild, moderately good, good, or very good.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Visual analog scale

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the third month

    The VAS score was used to measure pain intensity in each patient. Patients were told to rate their pain on a 10-cm horizontal line for the VAS test. A score of 0 indicated no pain, a score of 5 indicated moderate pain, and a score of 10 indicated the worst pain.

  2. Trigger points count

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the third month

    Trigger points were identified in the trapezius, levator scapulae, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus muscles by the presence of a hypersensitive spot within a palpable taut band, accompanied by a visible or palpable LTR and/or reproduction of referred pain upon palpation of the sensitive point.

  3. Multidimensional quality of life score

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the third month

    The multidimensional quality of life scale includes a total of 35 items and assesses nine subdomains, each with four items. The overall score is obtained by summing the responses to all the items. Each item is given a score from 1 to 7, with a total score of 35 to 245. Higher scores indicate better functional status.

  4. Likert satisfaction scale

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the third month

    Patient satisfaction was assessed using a Likert scale, where participants were asked to rate their experience by selecting one of the following options: none, mild, moderately good, good, or very good.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Turkish League Against Rheumatism

Other

Collaborators

  • Atatürk University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Dry Needling and Cupping Therapy in Patients With Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Trial

Important dates

Study start
2022
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jul 7, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 10, 2026

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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