This study aims to evaluate the immediate effects of a single session of dry needling on pain intensity and pressure pain threshold in patients with myofascial pain syndrome of the upper trapezius muscle. Outcomes will be assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) before treatment and at 30 minutes, 24 hours, and 72 hours after treatment.
Male or female participants aged 18-59 years with complaints of pain in the posterior neck and shoulder regions.
Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) identified on palpation of the upper trapezius muscle.
Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score of 4-6 and Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) ≤ 3 kg
Willingness to participate in the study until completion and to sign the informed consent form.
A previous diagnosis of cervical herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP).
History of thread-embedding acupuncture therapy in the upper trapezius muscle within the past 6 months.
History of dry needling (DN) and/or acupuncture therapy in the upper trapezius muscle within the past 1 week.
History of taking analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications within the past 24 hours.
Single group
Dry Needling Acupuncture
DeviceThe procedures will be done once, and outcomes will be evaluated at 30 minutes, 24 hours, and 72 hours after treatment.
Pain Intensity Measured by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)
The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) measures self-reported pain intensity. The NRS is an 11-point numerical scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. Participants select the number that best represents their pain intensity at the time of assessment. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity. The outcome is the change in NRS pain intensity from baseline to immediately after the dry needling intervention.
Change in Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) of the Upper Trapezius Muscle
Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) is an objective measure of pressure pain sensitivity in deep muscular tissue. PPT is defined as the minimum amount of externally applied pressure at which a gradually increasing, non-painful pressure stimulus is first perceived as painful. PPT will be measured using a pressure algometer applied to the specified measurement point in the upper trapezius muscle. The pressure will be increased gradually until the participant reports the onset of pain. The pressure value at the onset of pain will be recorded. Higher PPT values indicate lower pressure pain sensitivity, whereas lower PPT values indicate greater pressure pain sensitivity. The outcome measure is the change in PPT from baseline to immediately after the dry needling intervention.
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