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

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial

• Registration Number: NCT07062692
• Lead Sponsor: Riphah International University

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed 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.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-07
• Study First Submitted: 2025-07-03
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-07-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-07-03
• Study First Posted: 2025-07-14
• Last Update Posted: 2025-07-14
• Study Start: 2025-07-23
• Primary Completion: 2025-11-28
• Study Completion: 2026-02-28

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 48

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS)	2 Weeks	A subjective pain assessment tool where patients rate their pain intensity on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
Goniometer	2 Weeks	The goniometer is a handheld device with a protractor and movable arms used to precisely measure joint range of motion in degrees.
DASH Questionnaire	2 Weeks	The DASH Questionnaire is a 30-item self-report tool assessing upper extremity function and symptoms in daily activities, scored from 0 (no disability) to 100 (severe disability).

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Riphah International University, Malakand; 🇵🇰 Chakdara, KPK, Pakistan