Needles vs cups: which eases chronic muscle pain best?

NCT ID NCT07688317

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Turkish League Against Rheumatism Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 07, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study compares two common therapies—dry needling and cupping—for people with myofascial pain syndrome, a condition causing persistent muscle knots and pain. Participants receive either dry needling or cupping, and researchers measure changes in pain intensity, number of trigger points, satisfaction, and quality of life. The goal is to see which approach provides better relief for long-standing back and shoulder pain.

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 and cupping therapy
What this could lead to: If one therapy proves more effective, it could offer a better option for managing chronic muscle pain without medication.
What could go wrong: This is a small, single-site trial with 92 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Both treatments can cause temporary soreness or bruising.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

myofascial pain syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME (MPS)

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Ataturk University

Erzurum, 25240, Turkey (Türkiye)

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