Needle showdown: which dry needling technique eases neck pain best?
NCT ID NCT06546124
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tested two dry needling techniques—superficial and deep—guided by ultrasound for people with upper trapezius muscle pain. 80 adults aged 20-50 with myofascial pain syndrome received a single session. Researchers measured pain, neck disability, and quality of life to see which method works better.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- dry needling (acupuncture needle)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point to a better way to treat neck and shoulder pain with dry needling, improving pain and daily function.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study with 80 people, so results may not apply to everyone. Dry needling can cause temporary pain, bruising, or dizziness.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Abant Izzet Baysal University
Bolu, 14100, Turkey (Türkiye)
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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