Effectiveness of Dry Needling Versus Manual Trigger Point Release on Active Rhomboid Trigger Points

Riphah International University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial

Treatments: Other: MANUAL TRIGGER POINT RELEASE; Other: dry needling trigger release therapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07062692

REC-01017 Khaist Yousafzai

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study compares dry needling and manual trigger point release for treating active rhomboid trigger points in 48 patients, assessing pain, ROM, and function. It addresses a gap in evidence for optimal pain management in upper back myofascial pain. Findings will guide clinical practice for more effective, evidence-based interventions.

Full description

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigates the effectiveness of dry needling versus manual trigger point release in treating active rhomboid trigger points. The study aims to compare the effect of two interventions on pain, range of motion (ROM), and functional outcomes in patients with rhomboid muscle pain.

Participants: 48 individuals (aged 20-60) with clinically confirmed active rhomboid trigger points.

Interventions:

Group 1: Dry needling therapy.

Group 2: Manual trigger point release. Both groups receive adjunct therapies (ultrasound, cold packs, and home exercises).

Outcome Measures: Pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), ROM (goniometer), and function (DASH Questionnaire).

Duration: 2-week intervention with follow-ups at 1 and 2 weeks.

Significance: The study addresses a gap in evidence for rhomboid trigger point treatments, guiding clinical decisions for pain management. Results may optimize therapeutic approaches for upper back pain.

Enrollment: 48 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 20 to 60 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Presence of a clinically confirmed active trigger point in the rhomboid muscle based on established criteria (e.g., palpable tight band, local tenderness, referred pain pattern).
• Pain Level: Moderate to severe pain intensity (e.g., 4 or higher on a Visual Analog Scale or Numeric Pain Rating Scale).
• Duration of Symptoms: pain for at least 4 weeks.

Exclusion criteria

• Patient with conditions that may contribute to neck and subscapular pain other than rhomboid:
• fibromyalgia
• Rheumatic and inflammatory disease
• Recent Surgery
• Diabatic
• Cervical radiculopathy and nerve entrapment
• Pregnancy
• Malignancy

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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48 participants in 2 patient groups

dry needling trigger release therapy

Experimental group

Description:

This group will undergo dry needling trigger release therapy. Total of 2 sessions (one per week) followed by home based exercises plan. Treatment protocol of both groups will include Therapeutic ultrasound, Cold pack application and Home based exercise plan.

Treatment:

Other: dry needling trigger release therapy

MANUAL TRIGGER POINT RELEASE

Experimental group

Description:

Manual trigger release will be given to the other group. Total of 2 sessions (one per week) followed by same home based exercises plan will be given to the both groups. Treatment protocol of both groups will include Therapeutic ultrasound, Cold pack application and Home based exercise plan.

Treatment:

Other: MANUAL TRIGGER POINT RELEASE