Comparison of Low-Level Laser Therapy and Dry Needling in the Treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome

A Comparative Study between Low-level Laser Therapy and Dry Needling in the Management of Myofascial Pain Syndrome in Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kolkata - NIL

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Phase 2Phase 3

Study type

Interventional

Source

CTRI

Registry ID

CTRI/2026/02/103141

Enrollment

Registered

2026-02-05

Start date

Unknown

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2026-03-02

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Health Condition 1: M791- Myalgia

Interventions

Intervention1: Low-level Laser Therapy: Day 0, Day 2, Day 5, Day 7, Day 9, Day 11, Day 14, Day 16, Day 18, Day 21, Day 23, Day 25 Control Intervention1: Dry Needling: Day 0, Day 7, Day 14, Day 21

Eligibility

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: Presence of active trigger points in the cervical region, parascapular region up to inferior angle of scapula up to T7 vertebral level. Pain persisting for at least 3 months.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: Patients having diabetes mellitus. Patients with systemic diseases affecting musculoskeletal function (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia). History of trauma or surgery in the affected region. Contraindications to laser therapy or dry needling (e.g., infection, malignancy, pregnancy). Use of other concurrent pain management treatments (e.g., steroid injections, opioid therapy, physiotherapy). Patients with implanted pacemaker. Existing psychological issues.

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
To compare the efficacy of low-level laser therapy and dry needling in reducing pain in patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) using Visual Analog Scale (VAS).Timepoint: Day 0, week 4, week 16, week 28	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
To evaluate the effect of both treatments on general health using the Nottingham Health Profile.Timepoint: Day 0, week 4, week 16, week 28	—

Countries

India

Contacts

Public ContactDr Pankaj Kumar Mandal

R G Kar Medical College and Hospital

rehabyouall@gmail.com9433915696

Outcome results

None listed

Source: CTRI (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Mar 14, 2026