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Procedure

Dry Needling for Shoulder Pain

N/A
Recruiting
Research Sponsored by Texas Woman's University
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Adults 18-65 years of age
At least one tender point in one of the 5 muscles: cervical paraspinal near C5-C6 spinal segment, rhomboids, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and deltoid.
Must not have
Traumatic brain injury
Previous neck surgery
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up change from baseline immediately following the intervention
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial aims to study how a specific manual therapy called dry needling can help improve blood flow to certain muscles in the body. The therapy targets spinal segments that are thought to be overly sensitive and contribute

Who is the study for?
This trial is for individuals experiencing shoulder and neck pain, possibly due to hyperexcitable spinal segments. Participants should have signs like muscle weakness, brisk reflexes, or tenderness in the neck area. Those with conditions that might interfere with dry needling or who cannot commit to the study duration are likely excluded.
What is being tested?
The trial tests if Dry Needling (DN) at the C5-6 spinal level can improve blood flow to muscles, increase shoulder movement and strength, and reduce pain over time. It also looks at whether DN decreases tender points in affected muscles.
What are the potential side effects?
Dry Needling may cause some discomfort at the needle site, minor bleeding or bruising, temporary soreness in the treated area, and less commonly fainting or fatigue.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I am between 18 and 65 years old.
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I have pain in at least one of the specified muscles near my neck or shoulder.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
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I have had a traumatic brain injury.
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I have had surgery on my neck before.
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I am currently taking a blood thinner.
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I have had shoulder replacement surgery.
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I have had a stroke or have epilepsy.
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I have had a fracture in my neck bones.
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My diabetes or blood sugar levels are not under control.
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I had shoulder surgery through a scope in the last 5 years.
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I do not have any health issues that prevent dry needling or affect my blood flow.
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I have an active form of arthritis like rheumatoid or psoriatic.
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I have a neurological condition like MS, muscular dystrophy, or Parkinson's.
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I have had a shoulder fracture recently or in the past.
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I have circulation issues like Raynaud's.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~change from baseline immediately following the intervention
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and change from baseline immediately following the intervention for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
End Diastolic Velocity (EDV)
Peak Systolic Velocity
Pulsatile Index (PI)
+3 more
Secondary study objectives
Number of Tender Points

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Experimental: Individuals with neck-shoulder painExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Individuals with neck-shoulder pain will receive dry needling to C5-C6 multifidus of the cervical spine.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Texas Woman's UniversityLead Sponsor
88 Previous Clinical Trials
5,904 Total Patients Enrolled
2 Trials studying Dry Needling
80 Patients Enrolled for Dry Needling
~20 spots leftby Nov 2025