Superficial Dry Needling Versus Deep Dry Needling on the Upper Trapezius

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study investigates the effect of two different techniques (deep dry needling and superficial dry needling) on the latent myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius. Subjects with latent Myofascial trigger point in this location of the muscle will be identified and will be randomly assigned to one out of the three groups: deep dry needling, superficial dry needling or sham dry needling in gastrocnemius muscle. cervical range of motion and pain pressure threshold in the upper trapezius will be registered before, immediately after the intervention, at 24 hours after the intervention, at 72 hours after the intervention and a week after the intervention

Official Title
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Analysis, Comparison and Evaluation of Cervical Range of Motion and Neck Pain After Deep Dry Needling and Superficial Dry Needling in the Upper Trapezius: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Conditions
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Neck Pain

Intervention / Treatment
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* Procedure: Experimental: Deep dry needling
* Procedure: Experimental: Superficial dry needling
* Procedure: Placebo Comparator: Placebo Gastrocnemius dry needling


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Present the latent Myofascial trigger Point (MTP) 1 in upper trapezius. Accept participation in the study (signature of informed consent). Be in an age range between 18 and 55 years. Do not present any exclusion criteria. Exclusion Criteria: Do not present MTP 1 latent in the upper trapezius. Suffering and / or having suffered from upper limb pathologies, deformities or orthopedic injuries that could alter the static and biomechanics of the shoulder and neck. Not clearly identify the MTP 1 in the upper trapezius. Have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, myelopathy or radiculopathy. Having contraindicated the technique of dry needling for suffering, for example, coagulation problems. Having suffered a whiplash. Be pregnant. Have used analgesics 24 hours before participating in the study. Having belonephobia. Know the study techniques. Be in physiotherapy treatment and / or have been treated with needle techniques at some time. Having had cervical surgery.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 55 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Deep dry needling<br>Deep dry needling will be applied in the upper trapezius myofascial trigger point | Procedure: Experimental: Deep dry needling<br>* Deep dry needling until achieving twitch response of the muscle<br>|
| Experimental: Superficial dry needling<br>Superficial dry needling will be applied in the upper trapezius myofascial trigger point | Procedure: Experimental: Superficial dry needling<br>* Superficial dry needling to achieve sensitive pain with needle rotation<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Placebo Gastrocnemius dry needling<br>A technique simulating dry needling will be applied in the gastrocnemius myofascial trigger point with a needle guard guide tube, without any therapeutic manoeuvre will be applied. | Procedure: Placebo Comparator: Placebo Gastrocnemius dry needling<br>* Simulate pain with de plastic needle guard in the gastrocnemius muscle<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pain pressure threshold | Amount of pressure (Kg/cm2) applied at the upper trapezius myofascial trigger point site that elicit pain for the patient will be reported | a week | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cervical range of motion | cervical movement in flexion and extension, left and right rotation and side bending left and right | a week |