Neck Pain
Conditions
Brief summary
This study investigates the effect of two different techniques (dry needling and Strain-counterstrain manual technique) on the upper trapezius myofascial trigger point (MTP). Subjects with active or latent MTP in this location of the muscle will be identified and will be randomly assigned to one out of three groups: dry needling, strain-counterstrain or placebo manual technique. Pain pressure threshold, provoked pain, pain at rest, neck disability and electromyography (EMG) activity of the upper trapezius will be registered before and after six sessions of treatment.
Interventions
OTHERDry needling
Deep dry needling until achieving twitch response of the muscle
OTHERStrain-counterstrain technique
A manual technique to release tension of painful muscles.
OTHERPlacebo manual technique
A placebo technique, consisting of manual contact of the therapist with the patient without any further therapeutic approach
Sponsors
Cardenal Herrera University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Active myofascial trigger point at the upper trapezius
Exclusion criteria
* Diagnosed fibromyalgia * Cervical radiculopathy * Facial neuralgia * Coagulation alteration * Cancer * Allergy (included needles) * History of cervical or shoulder surgery * History of deep venous thrombosis * History of myopathy * History of infiltration at upper trapezius trigger point * Anticoagulant medication * Aspirin intake during the last 3 days * Drug intake (AINES, narcotics, antiepileptics, or any other analgesic medication) * Pregnancy
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Pressure Threshold | 6 sessions | Amount of pressure (Kg/cm2) applied at the myofascial trigger point site that elicit pain for the patient will be reported. Analogy pressure algometer(Wagner, FPK 20) will be used. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pain at rest | 6 sessions | Visual Analogue Scale |
| Neck Disability | 6 sessions | Neck Disability Index |
| Electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius | 6 sessions | Surface EMG will be recorded (MP 100 de BIOPAC Systems; Goleta, California, USA). Electrodes will be located to register activity of the Upper trapezius, according to Surface ElectroMyoGraphy for the Non-Invasive Assessment of Muscles (SENIAM) guidelines. Microvolts of activity at rest will be recorded. Data will be normalized through calculation of maximal voluntary contraction, so that final data will be reported as a percentage. |
Countries
Spain
Outcome results
None listed