Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * Being between 18 and 65 years of age * Having a diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome with at least one active trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle according to the criteria of Travell and Simons * Having signed the informed consent form regarding the study * Having a history of muscle pain with VAS \>3 persisting for at least four weeks in the same area (upper trapezius muscle) Exclusion Criteria: * Having a diagnosis of cervical disc herniation, cervical radiculopathy, or myelopathy * A history of central or peripheral nervous system disease (e.g., multiple sclerosis, stroke, peripheral neuropathy) * Diagnosis of a major psychiatric disorder (major depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) or receiving active psychiatric treatment * Having bleeding diathesis, thrombocytopenia, or using anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy for any reason (e.g., warfarin, clopidogrel) * Presence of local infection at the injection site, dermatological lesions disrupting skin integrity, or signs of systemic infection * Being pregnant or breastfeeding * Having undergone injection, prolotherapy, or similar interventional treatment in the upper trapezius region within the last 6 months * Having received dry needling treatment in any region previously * A history of orthopedic or neurosurgical surgery involving the cervical spine, shoulder, or upper trapezius muscle region within the last year * Having a diagnosis of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or advanced-stage chronic disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, renal failure) * Having a diagnosis of malignancy or systemic rheumatologic disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia syndrome, lupus) * Having communication difficulties, cognitive impairment, or severe visual/hearing loss that could prevent participation in the study * Having social/logistical barriers (e.g., transportation difficulties) that would prevent regular participation in the study process