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NCT Number: NCT07137728

Dual Frequency Low-Level Laser Therapy in Myofascial Trigger Points of Upper Trapezius

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether dual frequency low-level laser therapy can reduce pain, improve function, and increase neck movement in patients with myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. The study includes men and women aged 20 to 55 years who have been diagnosed with upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

* Does dual frequency low-level laser therapy reduce pain more effectively than single wavelength laser therapy? * Does dual frequency low-level laser therapy improve functional ability and cervical range of motion more than other treatments?

Researchers compared three groups of participants receiving different treatments to evaluate their effects.

Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups:

* Group A received red wavelength low-level laser therapy with conventional physiotherapy * Group B received infrared low-level laser therapy with conventional physiotherapy * Group C received dual frequency low-level laser therapy with conventional physiotherapy

All participants received treatment twice weekly for four weeks. Conventional therapy included stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and postural correction.

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Key information

Conditions

Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Myofacial Trigger Points Myofascial Pain Syndromes Neck Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

20 year–55 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

MoveNow Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

About this study

This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of dual frequency low-level laser therapy in patients with myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle. Participants aged 20 to 55 years were randomly allocated into three parallel groups.

Group A received red wavelength low-level laser therapy, Group B received infrared low-level laser therapy, and Group C received dual frequency low-level laser therapy. All groups also received conventional physiotherapy, including stretching, strengthening, and postural correction exercises.

Interventions were administered twice weekly for four weeks. Outcome assessments were performed at baseline, at week 2, and at week 4 by a blinded outcome assessor.

The primary objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of dual frequency laser therapy with single wavelength laser therapy in reducing pain intensity, improving functional disability, and enhancing cervical range of motion.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

This includes the following;

  • Men and women aged 20-55 years.
  • Diagnosis of myofascial pain based on Simons criteria.
  • At least two trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle.
  • Pain duration ≥ 3 months.
  • VAS pain score ≥ 5.
  • Limited cervical range of motion (40-60%) due to trigger points.

Exclusion criteria

The exclusion Criteria is given below;

  • Pregnancy.
  • Use of anticoagulants.
  • Bleeding disorders or dermatological diseases at treatment site.
  • History of infectious, inflammatory, tumoral, cardiopulmonary, psychiatric, or systemic diseases.
  • Kellgren stage 3-4 cervical osteoarthritis or cervical disc herniation causing radiculopathy.
  • Diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
  • Inability to follow instructions or complete questionnaires.

Treatment and study plan

Red Low-Level Laser Therapy

Device

Red wavelength (660 nm) low-level laser therapy was applied to upper trapezius trigger points at a dose of 5 J/cm², frequency 9-10 Hz, for 60-100 seconds per point, twice weekly for four weeks.

Infrared Low-Level Laser Therapy

Device

Infrared wavelength (830 nm) low-level laser therapy was applied to trigger points at a dose of 5 J/cm² for approximately 3 minutes per point, twice weekly for four weeks.

Dual Frequency Low-Level Laser Therapy

Device

Dual frequency laser therapy combining red (660 nm) and infrared (830 nm) wavelengths was applied sequentially to trigger points with a dose of 5 J/cm² per wavelength, twice weekly for four weeks.

Conventional Therapy

Other

Conventional physiotherapy included stretching exercises, isometric strengthening, and postural correction techniques.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain Intensity (Visual Analog Scale)

    Time frame: Baseline, Week 2, Week 4

    Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), a 0 to 10 scale where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates worst imaginable pain. Higher scores represent greater pain intensity

  2. Functional Disability (Neck Disability Index)

    Time frame: Baseline, Week 2, Week 4

    Functional disability was assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), a 10-item questionnaire with scores ranging from 0 to 50. Higher scores indicate greater disability.

  3. Cervical Range of Motion

    Time frame: Baseline, Week 2, Week 4

    Cervical range of motion (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation) was measured using a goniometer in degrees. Higher values indicate greater mobility.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Lahore

Other

Registry information

Official study title

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Dual Frequency Low-Level Laser Therapy on Pain Intensity, Pressure Pain Threshold, and Functional Outcomes in Patients With Myofascial Trigger Points in the Upper Trapezius Muscle

Acronym: DF-LLLT-MTP-UT

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Aug 22, 2025
Registry last updated
May 27, 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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