A study of the effectiveness of two methods of electrotherapy treatment for painful areas in the upper shoulder.

Effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and interferential therapy (IFT) on myofascial pain syndrome patients with myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius and influence of pain catastrophysing on treatment response.

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

SLCTR

Registry ID

SLCTR/2013/014

Enrollment

105

Registered

2013-03-27

Start date

2013-04-01

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2026-08-03

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

Conditions

Myofascial pain syndrome with upper trapezius trigger points

Interventions

Participants will be recruited from the orthopedic and sports medicine clinics at the Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya. The study will be conducted at the Physiotherapy Service Unit, Department of Physio

Eligibility

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: 1. Patients with myofascial pain syndrome patients with unilateral upper trapezius trigger points 2. Ability too read and understand Sinhala and English language 3. Age between 18 years to 50 years 4. Able and willing to participate during the entire study period

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: 1. Diagnosed with sensory disorders 2. Clinical evidence of radiculopathy or myelopathy 3. History of disk disease, degenerative joint disease, fracture, or dislocation in the cervical vertebrae 4. Diagnosed with cognitive deficits

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
1. Change in neck ROM (using a universal goniometer of 360 degrees) 2. Change in pain intensity (VAS) 3. Change in the number of trigger points [At baseline, within 5min after the first session, before eighth session and one week after eighth session]	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
Effect of pain catastrophysing on the treatment outcome [At the end of the study period]	—

Countries

Sri Lanka

Contacts

Public ContactThusharika Dilrukshi Dissanayaka

Lecturer(Probationary)

thushfhs@yahoo.com

Outcome results

None listed

Source: SLCTR (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Aug 9, 2026