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NCT Number: NCT07062692

Effectiveness of Dry Needling Versus Manual Trigger Point Release on Active Rhomboid Trigger Points

This study compares dry needling and manual trigger point release for treating active rhomboid trigger points in 48 patients, assessing pain, ROM, and function. It addresses a gap in evidence for optimal pain management in upper back myofascial pain. Findings will guide clinical practice for more effective, evidence-based interventions.

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Key information

Conditions

Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial 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

Riphah International University, Malakand

Chakdara, KPK, 18800, Pakistan

About this study

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigates the effectiveness of dry needling versus manual trigger point release in treating active rhomboid trigger points. The study aims to compare the effect of two interventions on pain, range of motion (ROM), and functional outcomes in patients with rhomboid muscle pain.

Participants: 48 individuals (aged 20-60) with clinically confirmed active rhomboid trigger points.

Interventions:

Group 1: Dry needling therapy.

Group 2: Manual trigger point release. Both groups receive adjunct therapies (ultrasound, cold packs, and home exercises).

Outcome Measures: Pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), ROM (goniometer), and function (DASH Questionnaire).

Duration: 2-week intervention with follow-ups at 1 and 2 weeks.

Significance: The study addresses a gap in evidence for rhomboid trigger point treatments, guiding clinical decisions for pain management. Results may optimize therapeutic approaches for upper back pain.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Presence of a clinically confirmed active trigger point in the rhomboid muscle based on established criteria (e.g., palpable tight band, local tenderness, referred pain pattern).
  • Pain Level: Moderate to severe pain intensity (e.g., 4 or higher on a Visual Analog Scale or Numeric Pain Rating Scale).
  • Duration of Symptoms: pain for at least 4 weeks.

Exclusion criteria

  • Patient with conditions that may contribute to neck and subscapular pain other than rhomboid:
  • fibromyalgia
  • Rheumatic and inflammatory disease
  • Recent Surgery
  • Diabatic
  • Cervical radiculopathy and nerve entrapment
  • Pregnancy
  • Malignancy

Treatment and study plan

dry needling trigger release therapy

Other

The dry needling intervention involved inserting sterile filiform needles directly into active rhomboid trigger points for 1-2 sessions (1 session/week) to elicit local twitch responses and relieve tension.

MANUAL TRIGGER POINT RELEASE

Other

The manual trigger point release intervention involved applying sustained pressure to active rhomboid trigger points followed by passive stretching to release muscle tension and improve mobility.

Primary outcomes

  1. Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS)

    Time frame: 2 Weeks

    A subjective pain assessment tool where patients rate their pain intensity on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).

  2. Goniometer

    Time frame: 2 Weeks

    The goniometer is a handheld device with a protractor and movable arms used to precisely measure joint range of motion in degrees.

  3. DASH Questionnaire

    Time frame: 2 Weeks

    The DASH Questionnaire is a 30-item self-report tool assessing upper extremity function and symptoms in daily activities, scored from 0 (no disability) to 100 (severe disability).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jul 14, 2025
Registry last updated
Apr 8, 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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