Percutaneous Electrolysis of the Upper Trapezius in Chronic Neck Pain

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Low-Intensity Percutaneous Electrolysis of the Upper Trapezius: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous electrolysis applied to the active myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle using 0.3-mm acupuncture needles and an EPTE® percutaneous electrolysis device. A low-intensity protocol is used (0.5 mA for 90 seconds per session) on days 1, 8, and 14.

High-Intensity Percutaneous Electrolysis of the Upper Trapezius: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous electrolysis applied to the active myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle using 0.3-mm acupuncture needles and an EPTE® percutaneous electrolysis device. A high-intensity protocol is used (3 mA for 3 seconds, repeated 3 times per session) on days 1, 8, and 14.

Upper Trapezius Stretching Exercise Program: Home-based stretching exercise program targeting the upper trapezius muscle throughout the treatment period in both groups.

Study summary

In the planned study, we aim to investigate the effectiveness of percutaneous electrolysis treatment applied to myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle in patients with chronic neck pain. Two different protocols, a low-intensity (0.5 mA × 90 s) and a high-intensity (3 mA × 3 s × 3 repetitions), will be compared in the study.

Patients participating in the research will be randomized into 2 groups using a computer program. Stretching exercises targeting the upper trapezius muscle will be given to both groups as a home exercise program. In both groups, the percutaneous electrolysis treatment protocol will be performed on the active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle on the 1st, 8th, and 14th days of treatment, using 0.3-millimeter acupuncture needles and an EPTE® percutaneous electrolysis device (Ionclinics \& A. Deionic SL, Valencia, Spain). The low-intensity (0.5 milliampere × 90 s) treatment protocol will be applied to Group 1, and the high-intensity (3 milliampere × 3 s × 3 repetitions) treatment protocol will be applied to Group 2. In the study, two different protocols, low-intensity (0.5 mA × 90 s) and high-intensity (3 mA × 3 s × 3 repetitions), will be compared. In this way, it is aimed both to obtain information about optimal dosing and to contribute to the literature for a frequently involved muscle such as the upper trapezius.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change in Pain Intensity (VAS) — Baseline (before treatment), immediately after completion of the 3rd treatment session (approximately 2 weeks), and 3 months after treatment initiation.
  Pain intensity related to plantar heel pain will be assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Higher scores indicate greater pain.

Trial sites (1)

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