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Dry Needling vs Electrical Dry Needling for Myofascial Neck Pain
Sponsor: University of Faisalabad
Summary
Neck pain caused by myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) is common and is associated with pain, psychological distress, and kinesiophobia (fear of movement). This randomized clinical trial compared Dry Needling (DN) and Electrical Dry Needling (EDN), each delivered once weekly for six weeks, in adults with neck pain due to MTrPs. The study measured changes in pain intensity, psychological distress (depression, anxiety, stress), and kinesiophobia before and after treatment, to determine whether adding electrical stimulation to dry needling provides additional benefit over dry needling alone.
Official title: Comparative Effects of Dry Needling Versus Electrical Dry Needling on Myofascial Trigger Point-Induced Neck Pain, Psychological Distress, and Kinesiophobia
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 60 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
34
Start Date
2026-04-24
Completion Date
2026-08-08
Last Updated
2026-08-20
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Dry Needling
Stainless-steel acupuncture needles inserted via guide tubes using the Hong technique (rapid insertion/withdrawal in multiple directions) to elicit up to 5 local twitch responses at the active myofascial trigger point, followed by ischemic (Travell and Simons) compression until pain decreased, repeated over several cycles for a total of 2 minutes. One session weekly for 6 weeks.
Electrical Dry Needling
Needle inserted (after cleaning with sterile alcohol) into the diagnosed active or latent myofascial trigger point/taut band, manipulated bidirectionally to elicit pain/tingling/pressure/heaviness/warmth, then connected to a low-frequency (2 Hz) continuous biphasic electrical current at a mild-to-moderate intensity, left in place for 30 minutes. One session weekly for 6 weeks.
Locations (1)
The University of Faisalabad
Faisalābad, Punjab Province, Pakistan