Dry Needling for Shoulder Pain
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons people consult with their primary health care provider, and 40-50% of these patients with shoulder pain continued to complain of persistent symptoms after 6 to 12 months. It has been suggested that the presence of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) may contribute to the chronicity of shoulder symptoms. An MTrP is a hyperirritable taut band of tissue within a muscle that produces pain when stimulated MTrPs are common in patients with shoulder disorders and occur most often in the infraspinatus muscle of a painful shoulder MTrPs were associated with an acidic biochemical environment with elevated levels of inflammatory mediators, neuropeptides, and proinflammatory cytokines such as bradykinin and calcitonin g-related peptide. It was hypothesized that metabolic demands on muscle and capillary constrictions may contribute to the development of MTrPs. To date, only a few studies have examined the vascular environment of MTrPs and surrounding areas before and after dry needling. No studies have yet examined whether dry needling would change blood flow in patients with shoulder pathology. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study is to examine the effect of dry needling on blood flow of the infraspinatus muscle using color Doppler imaging in individuals with shoulder pain. The secondary purpose is to examine the effect of DN on shoulder motion and sensitivity to pressure in individuals with shoulder pain.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are using anti-coagulants (medications that prevent blood clotting).
Is dry needling safe for humans?
Dry needling is generally well tolerated, but mild adverse events can occur, and there are rare reports of severe complications like spinal epidural hematoma. It's important for practitioners to screen patients carefully and take precautions, especially when needling near sensitive areas like the spine.12345
How does the treatment dry needling differ from other treatments for shoulder pain?
Dry needling is unique because it targets myofascial trigger points (tight knots in muscles) to relieve pain, which is different from other treatments that may not focus on these specific muscle areas. It involves inserting thin needles into the skin and muscle, which is a different approach compared to physical therapy or medication.678910
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Dry Needling for Shoulder Pain?
Research shows that dry needling can help reduce pain and improve movement in people with shoulder pain, especially when used alongside other treatments like physical therapy. However, one study found that dry needling did not provide extra benefits when added to personalized physical therapy for nonspecific shoulder pain.810111213
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jace A Brown, DPT
Principal Investigator
Texas Woman's University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals aged 18-65 with unilateral shoulder pain of non-traumatic origin, a self-reported pain level of at least 2/10, and at least one myofascial trigger point in the infraspinatus muscle. It excludes those with systemic joint diseases, red flags like fractures or tumors, cancer, pregnancy, anti-coagulant use, previous shoulder surgery, immunocompromised conditions (like diabetes), repeated infections or neurological disorders.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants undergo baseline assessments including demographic information, pain characteristics, and initial outcome measures such as blood flow parameters, shoulder ROMs, and PPTs.
Intervention
Participants receive either real dry needling or sham dry needling to the infraspinatus muscle.
Immediate Post-Intervention Assessment
Outcome measures are reassessed immediately following the intervention to capture immediate changes.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for any adverse events and changes in outcome measures post-intervention.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Dry Needling
- Sham Dry Needling
Dry Needling is already approved in United Kingdom, United States for the following indications:
- Knee osteoarthritis pain management
- Muscle strength improvement
- Leg function enhancement
- Chronic knee pain relief
- Musculoskeletal pain management
- Myofascial pain syndrome treatment
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Texas Woman's University
Lead Sponsor