Comparison the Effects of TECAR With Dry Needling in the Treatment of Myofascial Trigger Points

Medical University of Silesia

Status: Completed

Conditions: Myofascial Trigger Point Pain; Myofascial Pain Syndrome of Neck; Myofascial Trigger Point Syndrome

Treatments: Other: TECAR; Other: Dry needling

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06273514

TECAR and DN intervention

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of dry needling (DN) and capacitive and resistive transfer of energy (TECAR) therapy in the treatment of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) as well comparison of their efficacy.

Research hypothesis:

Capacitive and resistive energy transfer therapy is comparable to dry needling therapy for the treatment of myofascial trigger points.

It is estimated that the presence of trigger points is the main cause of pain in 30-85% of patients visiting primary health care facilities and pain management clinics. The presence of trigger points may significantly affect the patient's functional status and daily functioning. Recently, diagnostic criteria and methods of treating trigger points have evolved significantly. However, the usefulness of different imaging methods in the diagnosis of trigger points has not yet been established. Despite numerous studies, the long-term effectiveness of the dry needling method is still unknown. Furthermore, there is no available research on the short- and long-term effectiveness of capacitive and resistive energy transfer therapy in the treatment of trigger points.

Therefore, the objectives of the work were:

Determination and comparison of the short- and long-term effects of capacitive and resistive energy transfer therapy and the dry needling technique of myofascial trigger points located in the upper trapezius muscle (UT) on the strength, neck range of motion and pain intensity within this muscle.

The study is planned to include a group of 26 men aged 25 to 45 who suffer from pain caused by the presence of myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. The subjects will be divided into two groups of equal number of people. The first group will undergo therapy using the dry needling technique, while the second group will undergo capacitive and resistive energy transfer therapy.

In order to determine the immediate effects of capacitive and resistive energy transfer therapy and dry needling techniques, measurements of muscle strength, the intensity of pain in the upper trapezius muscle and neck range of motion will be performed before and after each therapeutic session (2 session in 2 weeks are planed). In turn, to determine the long-term effects of capacitive and resistive energy transfer therapy and dry needling, the next above-mentioned measurements will be performed four weeks after the end of first therapy.

Enrollment: 22 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 25 to 45 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• sex male
• age 25-45
• manually confirmed active MTrP in the upper trapezius

Exclusion criteria

• MTrP therapy in the upper trapezius region during the last year
• history of neck trauma
• history of cervical spine surgeries
• history of humeral joint surgeries
• cervical radiculopathy
• chronic and acute diseases of the cardiovascular system
• chronic and acute diseases of the respiratory system
• chronic and acute diseases of the nervous systems
• endocrine disturbances
• skin lesions in upper trapezius area
• acute inflammation
• cancer
• BMI > 30 kg/m2.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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22 participants in 2 patient groups

TECAR

Experimental group

Description:

TECAR therapy is a non-invasive method for treating musculoskeletal system disorders based on the application of high-frequency current (300 kHz - 1 MHz)

Treatment:

Other: TECAR

Dry needling

Experimental group

Description:

Dry needling, a form of intramuscular stimulation, is a therapeutic intervention employed in physiotherapy and sports medicine. It entails the precise insertion of fine needles into specific myofascial trigger points, taut bands of skeletal muscle, or connective tissue without the administration of pharmacological agents.

Treatment:

Other: Dry needling