The Effectiveness of Dry Needling Compared to Myofascial Decompression Therapy on Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger points

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Early Phase 1

Study type

Interventional

Source

PACTR

Registry ID

PACTR202003774700847

Enrollment

Registered

2020-03-19

Start date

2020-05-20

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2026-01-27

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

Conditions

Musculoskeletal Diseases

Interventions

Myofascial decompression therapy

Dry needling

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: • Participants must be between the age of 18 and 50 years as degenerative cervical diseases are common among people over the age of 50 and this limits the possibility of degenerative changes in the participant • Present with active myofascial trigger points, unilateral or bilateral, of the upper trapezius muscle (Trp1 and Trp2). • The diagnostic criteria of TrPs on examination are: - A palpable, taut band present in a muscle - Pain elicited by digital pressure - A characteristic pattern of referred pain specific to individual muscles - The occurrence of a LTR as a result of needle insertion - Limited stretch range of motion • Must be able to attend all treatments • Participants cannot be on anti-inflammatories or other drugs which might alter their pain during the study

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: • Contra-indicated for Myofascial decompression therapy • Contra-indicated for myofascial dry needling • Received any form of treatment which may interfere with the results of the study such as massage therapy, physiotherapy, medications in the form of analgesics or anti-inflammatories. • Have no active myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
The result of this study may offer clarity on which treatment approach might be more beneficial for this particular condition. It will hopefully offer a better understanding of which treatment group had the most beneficial results and might aid as a guide for future management of upper trapezius myofascial trigger points.	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
MFD if as effective as myofascial dry needling could be a superior treatment approach as it is not as invasive and might be more comfortable.	—

Countries

South Africa

Contacts

Public ContactMarthinus Louis du Plessis

Student

mduplessis.chiro@gmail.com0799417599

Outcome results

None listed

Source: PACTR (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026