Effectiveness of Dry Needling Versus Manual Trigger Point Release on Active Rhomboid Trigger Points

Riphah International University48 enrolled

Overview

This study compares dry needling and manual trigger point release for treating active rhomboid trigger points in 48 patients, assessing pain, ROM, and function. It addresses a gap in evidence for optimal pain management in upper back myofascial pain. Findings will guide clinical practice for more effective, evidence-based interventions.

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigates the effectiveness of dry needling versus manual trigger point release in treating active rhomboid trigger points. The study aims to compare the effect of two interventions on pain, range of motion (ROM), and functional outcomes in patients with rhomboid muscle pain. Participants: 48 individuals (aged 20-60) with clinically confirmed active rhomboid trigger points. Interventions: Group 1: Dry needling therapy. Group 2: Manual trigger point release. Both groups receive adjunct therapies (ultrasound, cold packs, and home exercises). Outcome Measures: Pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), ROM (goniometer), and function (DASH Questionnaire). Duration: 2-week intervention with follow-ups at 1 and 2 weeks. Significance: The study addresses a gap in evidence for rhomboid trigger point treatments, guiding clinical decisions for pain management. Results may optimize therapeutic approaches for upper back pain.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial

Interventions

dry needling trigger release therapyOTHER

The dry needling intervention involved inserting sterile filiform needles directly into active rhomboid trigger points for 1-2 sessions (1 session/week) to elicit local twitch responses and relieve tension.

MANUAL TRIGGER POINT RELEASEOTHER

The manual trigger point release intervention involved applying sustained pressure to active rhomboid trigger points followed by passive stretching to release muscle tension and improve mobility.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 20 YearsMax age: 60 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Presence of a clinically confirmed active trigger point in the rhomboid muscle based on established criteria (e.g., palpable tight band, local tenderness, referred pain pattern). * Pain Level: Moderate to severe pain intensity (e.g., 4 or higher on a Visual Analog Scale or Numeric Pain Rating Scale). * Duration of Symptoms: pain for at least 4 weeks. Exclusion Criteria: * Patient with conditions that may contribute to neck and subscapular pain other than rhomboid: * fibromyalgia * Rheumatic and inflammatory disease * Recent Surgery * Diabatic * Cervical radiculopathy and nerve entrapment * Pregnancy * Malignancy

Locations (1)

Riphah International University, Malakand

Chakdara, KPK, Pakistan

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS)

A subjective pain assessment tool where patients rate their pain intensity on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).

Time frame: 2 Weeks

Goniometer

The goniometer is a handheld device with a protractor and movable arms used to precisely measure joint range of motion in degrees.

Time frame: 2 Weeks

DASH Questionnaire

The DASH Questionnaire is a 30-item self-report tool assessing upper extremity function and symptoms in daily activities, scored from 0 (no disability) to 100 (severe disability).

Time frame: 2 Weeks

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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