Skeletal Muscle Contractility, Self-reported Pain and Tissue Sensitivity in Females With Neck/Shoulder Pain and Trapezius MFTrPs

Inclusion Criteria: * A clinically relevant MFTrP of the upper Trapezius musculature * Self-reported pain of ≥3 on an eleven-point numerical pain rating scale (NRS-101). * BMI less than 31 Exclusion Criteria: * a history of chronic, systemic pathology (e.g. hemophilia) * pre-existing neck/shoulder pathology/surgical procedures, * clinical depression * health-related legal action * pregnant * anti-inflammatory and/or chronic pain medication * had received dry needling for a shoulder/neck disorder within 6 months prior to the study (to raise the level of patient naiveté) suffered from needle phobia