← Back to Search

Other

Dry Needling for Shoulder Pain

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Jace A Brown, DPT

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

Ages 18-65 with unilateral nonspecific shoulder pain based on participants' self-reported pain level of greater than or equal to 2/10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) in last 24 hours

Non-traumatic origin of pain

Must not have

Use of anti-coagulants (e.g. vitamin K antagonists, direct oral anticoagulants, and low molecular weight heparins)

Previous shoulder surgery

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up change from baseline shoulder range of motion immediately

Summary

This trial is studying whether a treatment for shoulder pain called dry needling can improve blood flow, motion and sensitivity in those with shoulder pain.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for individuals aged 18-65 with unilateral shoulder pain of non-traumatic origin, a self-reported pain level of at least 2/10, and at least one myofascial trigger point in the infraspinatus muscle. It excludes those with systemic joint diseases, red flags like fractures or tumors, cancer, pregnancy, anti-coagulant use, previous shoulder surgery, immunocompromised conditions (like diabetes), repeated infections or neurological disorders.

What is being tested?

The study tests whether dry needling can improve blood flow in the infraspinatus muscle using color Doppler imaging. Participants will also be assessed for changes in shoulder motion and pressure sensitivity post-treatment compared to sham dry needling.

What are the potential side effects?

Potential side effects from dry needling may include temporary soreness or bruising at the needle site. There's also a low risk of bleeding or infection.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

Select...

I am between 18 and 65 years old and have shoulder pain rated at least 2/10.

Select...

My pain is not due to an injury.

Select...

I have a painful spot in my shoulder muscle that hurts when pressed.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

Select...

I am currently taking blood thinners.

Select...

I have had shoulder surgery before.

Select...

I can't stay lying down on my back or stomach for 15 minutes.

Select...

I have a bleeding disorder like hemophilia.

Select...

I have a condition that weakens my immune system, like diabetes, HIV, or lupus.

Select...

I have Raynaud's disease.

Select...

I have been diagnosed with cancer.

Select...

I have a condition like rheumatoid arthritis.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ change from baseline psv immediately

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~change from baseline psv immediately

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and change from baseline psv immediately 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)

+1 more

Secondary study objectives

Pain Pressure Thresholds (PPT)

Shoulder Range of Motion

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: Dry NeedlingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Individuals with shoulder pain will receive dry needling to the two to four most tender points in the infraspinatus based on examiner palpation

Group II: Sham Dry NeedlingPlacebo Group1 Intervention

Individuals with shoulder pain will receive sham dry needling to two points in the muscle belly of the infraspinatus near the insertion and below the midpoint of the spine of the scapula

0 / 11Eligibility criteria met