Skip to content

The Efficacy of Thread Embedding Acupuncture on Pain Score, Neck Disability Index, and Pressure Pain Threshold for Myofascial Pain Therapy in the Upper Trapezius Muscle

The Efficacy of Thread Embedding Acupuncture on Pain Score, Neck Disability Index, and Pressure Pain Threshold for Myofascial Pain Therapy in the Upper Trapezius Muscle

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT05987683
Enrollment
44
Registered
2023-08-14
Start date
2023-08-21
Completion date
2023-10-31
Last updated
2023-12-27

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

Conditions

Myofascial Pain of Upper Trapezius Muscle

Brief summary

Myofascial pain is characterized by myofascial trigger points, considered as a major cause of neck and shoulder pain in the working population. Thread-embedding acupuncture is a new acupuncture modality that can provide long-term stimulation aimed at prolonging its therapeutic effect that is similar to conventional acupuncture, such as analgesic effects. The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate and compare the effects of thread-embedding acupuncture and sham thread-embedding acupuncture as a therapy for myofascial pain in the upper trapezius muscle. The primary aim of this study is to investigate whether thread-embedding acupuncture therapy gives better and last longer results for myofascial pain of the upper trapezius muscle than sham thread-embedding acupuncture.

Detailed description

This is a clinical trial study to evaluate and compare the effects of thread-embedding acupuncture and sham thread-embedding acupuncture as a therapy for myofascial pain in the upper trapezius muscle. The subjects are 44 males/female with myofascial pain in the upper trapezius muscle and will be randomly assigned to 2 groups: (1) thread-embedding acupuncture and (2) Sham thread-embedding acupuncture. The subjects will receive a single treatment. The outcome will be assessed before treatment (baseline) and 3 days, 1 week, 4 weeks, 8 weeks after treatment. Patients and the outcome assessors will be blinded to the group allocation.

Interventions

PROCEDUREThread-Embedding Acupuncture, Sham Thread-Embedding Acupuncture

Thread-Embedding Acupuncture: using a 29-gauge TEA needle with a 50-mm PDO (polydioxanone) thread Sham Thread-Embedding Acupuncture: using a 29-gauge TEA needle but thread-removed, just needle alone

Sponsors

Indonesia University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 59 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Male or female aged 18-59 years. * Subject with myofascial pain in the upper trapezius muscle. * VAS score of 30-70 mm from 100 mm during activities (everyday activities or light exercise). * Pain \> 3 months. * Willing to participate in this research to completion and sign informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

* Fibromyalgia. * Have had cervical spine surgery. * Have done Dry needling therapy on the upper trapezius muscle in the last 9 days * Have done thread acupuncture on the upper trapezius muscle in the last 6 months. * Have performed pharmacopuncture on the upper trapezius muscle in the last 6 months. * VAS score is more than 70 mm than 100 mm at resting. * History of anti-inflammatory drug treatment in the previous 2 weeks. * History of intra-articular steroid injections in the previous 3 months. * There is a tumor, wound, or skin infection at the needle insertion area. * Fever (≥ 37.5 oC). * There is a hypersensitivity reaction in previous acupuncture therapy (metal allergy, severe atopy, keloids, or other skin hypersensitivity). * Suffering from a blood disorder or taking blood thinners (anti-platelet or anti-coagulant drugs). * Have a heart condition or uncontrolled diabetes. * Blood glucose level (GDS) ≥200 mg/dL is checked by capillary blood using a glucometer.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Visual Analog Scalebefore treatment (baseline) and 3 days, 1 week, 4 weeks, 8 weeks after treatmentPain rating scale for measuring pain

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Neck Disability Indexbefore treatment (baseline) and 3 days, 1 week, 4 weeks, 8 weeks after treatmentA questionnaire for measuring self-rated disability due to neck pain
Pressure Pain Thresholdbefore treatment (baseline) and 3 days, 1 week, 4 weeks, 8 weeks after treatmentUsing the minimum force applied which induces pain, measured with algometer

Countries

Indonesia

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026