Laser vs shockwave: new study aims to ease chronic neck pain
NCT ID NCT07176039
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested two treatments for neck pain caused by muscle knots (myofascial pain syndrome). Forty adults received either high-intensity laser therapy or shockwave therapy, plus standard physical therapy, over 4 weeks. The goal was to see which treatment better reduces pain and improves neck movement.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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40 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Oct 2025
- Finished
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Apr 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 60 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Male and female participants aged 18-60 years. Diagnosis of Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS) in the neck/shoulder region. Presence of active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius. Willingness to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: History of cervical spine surgery, trauma, or radiculopathy. Contraindications to laser or shockwave therapy. Presence of systemic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, malignancy). Receiving other physical therapy interventions during the study period
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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
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Faculty of Physical Therapy, Benha University
Cairo, Egypt
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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