Three Injection Treatments for Shoulder and Neck Muscle Pain

Plain-English translation of NCT07547605 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

This study compares three different injection treatments for a painful condition called myofascial pain syndrome that affects the upper trapezius muscle in your shoulder and neck. The three treatments being tested are: platelet-rich plasma (PRP) alone, platelet-rich plasma combined with betamethasone, and betamethasone alone. Each injection also contains a local anesthetic to numb the area during the procedure.

Many people with upper shoulder and neck muscle pain don't get relief from standard treatments like physical therapy and oral pain medication. Researchers want to see whether platelet-rich plasma—a substance made from your own blood that may help reduce inflammation and promote healing—can work better than steroid injections alone, or whether combining the two approaches works best.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 65 years old
you have been diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome in your upper trapezius muscle based on physical examination findings
your pain has lasted at least 4 weeks and is at least moderate in intensity
you have tried at least 4 weeks of conservative treatment (physical therapy and/or pain medications) without adequate relief
you have a single active trigger point in your upper trapezius muscle

You likely don't qualify if…

you have multiple active trigger points in the same region
you have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia
you are currently taking blood-thinning medications or have a bleeding disorder
you have had a trigger point injection in the same area within the past 3 months
you are pregnant, nursing, or have a known allergy to steroids or local anesthetics

What participation looks like

If you enroll, you will receive a single injection into your upper trapezius muscle guided by touch (without ultrasound). You will then be assessed at several time points: 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after the injection. At each visit, the research team will measure your pain level, how much your muscle tender point hurts when pressure is applied, how far you can move your neck, and whether you've needed any rescue pain medication. You will also be asked about your satisfaction with the treatment and whether your symptoms have returned.

Three Injection Treatments for Shoulder and Neck Muscle Pain

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(2 sites)