Dry Needling Versus Strain-counterstrain on the Upper Trapezius (DNJ)

Cardenal Herrera University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Neck Pain

Treatments: Other: Placebo manual technique; Other: Strain-counterstrain technique; Other: Dry needling

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01290653

CEU UCH 203

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment: 39 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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39 participants in 3 patient groups, including a placebo group

Dry Needling of trigger point

Experimental group

Description:

Deep dry needling will be applied on the upper trapezius myofascial trigger point

Treatment:

Other: Dry needling

Strain-counterstraing technique

Experimental group

Description:

This manual technique will be applied at the upper trapezius.

Treatment:

Other: Strain-counterstrain technique

Placebo manual technique

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

A technique simulating strain-counterstrain, but without any therapeutic manoeuvre will be applied at the upper trapezius site.

Treatment:

Other: Placebo manual technique