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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07601880

the Study Aim to Evaluate the Combined Therapeutic Effects of Dry Needling and Phonophoresis on Myofascial Trigger Points in Patient Suffering From Cervical Spine Postural Deviations. it Focuses on How These Interventions Help Reduce Pain, Relieve Muscle Spasm and Improve Functional Outcomes

Postural deviations of the cervical spine, particularly forward head posture (FHP) and altered cervical lordosis, are increasingly common in individuals with prolonged use of computers, mobile phones, and poor sitting posture. These deviations lead to muscular imbalances where weak deep cervical stabilizers coexist with tight, overactive muscles such as the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid. The biomechanical consequences include excessive stress on cervical joints, impaired proprioception, reduced cervical range of motion, and a predisposition to chronic neck pain, cervicogenic headaches, and even temporomandibular disorders.

Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius are frequently implicated in these conditions, contributing to pain, stiffness, and sensorimotor dysfunction. Trigger points are characterized by taut muscle bands, localized hypoxia, biochemical mediators of pain, and neuromuscular hyperexcitability. Treatments such as dry needling (DN) aim to mechanically disrupt this pain-spasm cycle by reducing motor end plate irritability and sympathetic overactivity, whereas phonophoresis (PH) enhances trans-dermal absorption of anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs using ultrasound, providing a non-invasive alternative for pain management.

Given the high prevalence of cervical postural deviations and the burden of associated pain and disability, there is a need to identify the most effective intervention for MTrPs in this population. This study, therefore, proposes a randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of dry needling and phonophoresis on pain, cervical range of motion, and postural correction in patients with FHP and altered cervical lordosis. The findings aim to guide clinicians in selecting evidence-based treatments to optimize outcomes for patients with cervical spine abnormalities.

Study Design: Randomized Control Trial No of groups: 40 (men and women aged 20-55 year) 20 receiving phonophoresis and 20 receiving Dry Needling.

Outcomes:

1. Reduction in Neck Pain 2. Cervical Range of Motion

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Key information

Conditions

Trigger Points, Myofascial Cervical Postural Deviation Neck Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

20 year–70 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital

Lahore, Punjab Province, 57000, Pakistan

About this study

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of dry needling and phonophoresis in releasing myofascial trigger points among patients with cervical postural deviations. A total of 40 participants (men and women aged 20-55 years) with chronic neck pain and active trigger points in the upper trapezius and levator scapulae muscles will be recruited using non-probability purposive sampling. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups (20 each) using a double-dummy, participant-blinded design: one group will receive real dry needling with sham phonophoresis, while the other will receive real phonophoresis with sham dry needling. Both groups will also receive baseline stretching exercises.

Phonophoresis will be applied using diclofenac sodium with pulsed ultrasound, while dry needling will involve insertion of a sterile needle to elicit a local twitch response. Outcomes will be assessed over a 4-week period, focusing on improvement in cervical range of motion, and reduction in neck pain. The study seeks to determine which intervention is more effective for managing myofascial trigger points associated with cervical postural dysfunction in patients with chronic neck pain.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Chronic Neck pain
  • Trigger points in Trapezius and Levetor Scapulae
  • Duration of Pain from at least 3 months

Exclusion criteria

  • Person's History of Neck Surgery
  • Local Hemmorhage
  • Active infections and Open wounds
  • Bleeding disorders
  • use of alcohol or any material that disturbs the consciousness

Treatment and study plan

Dry Needling + Phonophoresis

Other
  • Diclofenac Sodium medication will be used with ultrasound.
  • Ultrasound waves with 1.2 w/cm intensity 60 percent duty cycle will be applied by a Pulsed 1 MHz ultrasound unit for 5 minutes on MTPs Baseline Treatment is stretching

Other names: Phonophoresis, dexamethasone

dry needling

Other

•0.25 × 40 millimeter sterilized needle, We will insert the steralized needle into subcutaneous tissue in a position perpendicular to muscle. The needle tip will be inserted into the muscle until a local twitch response is elicited. The same point will be needled for about 60 seconds by rapid inward and outward needle movements Baseline Treatment is stretching

Primary outcomes

  1. Range Of motion

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    Cervical Range of motion. These ranges are taken by Goniometer.

  2. Numeric Pain Rating Scale

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    Reduction in neck pain and for its measurement we use Numeric pain rating scale. Scale is scored on 0-10 points. 0 means no pain and 10 means severe/ unbearable pain

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Dry Needling and Phonophoresis on Myofascial Trigger Points Among Patient With Postural Deviation of Cervical Spine

Acronym: DNPP MTrP

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 22, 2026
Registry last updated
Jun 18, 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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