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NCT Number: NCT07294651

Percutaneous Electrolysis of the Upper Trapezius in Chronic Neck Pain

In the planned study, we aim to investigate the effectiveness of percutaneous electrolysis treatment applied to myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle in patients with chronic neck pain. Two different protocols, a low-intensity (0.5 mA × 90 s) and a high-intensity (3 mA × 3 s × 3 repetitions), will be compared in the study.

Patients participating in the research will be randomized into 2 groups using a computer program. Stretching exercises targeting the upper trapezius muscle will be given to both groups as a home exercise program. In both groups, the percutaneous electrolysis treatment protocol will be performed on the active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle on the 1st, 8th, and 14th days of treatment, using 0.3-millimeter acupuncture needles and an EPTE® percutaneous electrolysis device (Ionclinics & A. Deionic SL, Valencia, Spain). The low-intensity (0.5 milliampere × 90 s) treatment protocol will be applied to Group 1, and the high-intensity (3 milliampere × 3 s × 3 repetitions) treatment protocol will be applied to Group 2. In the study, two different protocols, low-intensity (0.5 mA × 90 s) and high-intensity (3 mA × 3 s × 3 repetitions), will be compared. In this way, it is aimed both to obtain information about optimal dosing and to contribute to the literature for a frequently involved muscle such as the upper trapezius.

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Key information

Conditions

Myofascial Pain of Upper Trapezius Muscle

Age range

18 year–70 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Sivas Devlet Hastanesi

Sivas, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Serkan Polat, MD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+9555555555

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

Patients who agree to participate in the study, are between 18 and 70 years of age, have had symptoms for at least 3 months, and have chronic neck pain with active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle will be included.

Exclusion criteria

Patients with malignancy, active infection, a history of widespread inflammatory rheumatic disease or fibromyalgia, trauma, skin lesions, infection or open wounds at the myofascial trigger point region, coagulopathy, warfarin use, a history of spinal or shoulder disorders, previous neck or upper extremity surgery, acute illness, muscle diseases, epilepsy, use of sedative medications, needle phobia, previous dry needling treatment for myofascial pain, a cardiac pacemaker, metal implants in the treatment area, conditions that contraindicate physiotherapy such as pregnancy, or metal allergy will not be included in the study.

Treatment and study plan

Low-Intensity Percutaneous Electrolysis of the Upper Trapezius

Device

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous electrolysis applied to the active myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle using 0.3-mm acupuncture needles and an EPTE® percutaneous electrolysis device. A low-intensity protocol is used (0.5 mA for 90 seconds per session) on days 1, 8, and 14.

High-Intensity Percutaneous Electrolysis of the Upper Trapezius

Device

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous electrolysis applied to the active myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle using 0.3-mm acupuncture needles and an EPTE® percutaneous electrolysis device. A high-intensity protocol is used (3 mA for 3 seconds, repeated 3 times per session) on days 1, 8, and 14.

Upper Trapezius Stretching Exercise Program

Other

Home-based stretching exercise program targeting the upper trapezius muscle throughout the treatment period in both groups.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Pain Intensity (VAS)

    Time frame: Baseline (before treatment), immediately after completion of the 3rd treatment session (approximately 2 weeks), and 3 months after treatment initiation.

    Pain intensity related to plantar heel pain will be assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Higher scores indicate greater pain.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Pressure Pain Threshold (Algometry)

    Time frame: Baseline, post-treatment (approximately 2 weeks), and 3 months after treatment initiation.

    Pressure will be applied with an algometer at a right angle to the point on the plantar fascia where tenderness is most pronounced, and the patient will be asked to indicate the level at which discomfort is felt. The pressure value at which pain occurs will be determined as the pain threshold, and the pressure-pain threshold will be objectively assessed and recorded. Measurements will be repeated three times, and the best value will be recorded.

  2. Change in Functional Disability (Modified Neck Disability Index)

    Time frame: Baseline (prior to the first treatment session), immediately after completion of treatment (after the third session, approximately 2 weeks from baseline), and 3 months after treatment initiation.

    Functional disability related to neck pain will be assessed using the Modified Neck Disability Index (MNDI), a 10-item questionnaire evaluating pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headaches, concentration, work, driving, sleeping, and recreation. Each item is scored from 0 to 5, yielding a total score between 0 and 50; higher scores indicate greater disability. The validated Turkish version of the scale will be used.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Sivas State Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effectiveness of Different Percutaneous Electrolysis Treatment Protocols Targeting the Upper Trapezius Muscle in Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Dec 19, 2025
Registry last updated
Dec 19, 2025

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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