Recruiting

Two treatments for muscle pain: needling versus laser stimulation

Plain-English translation of NCT07750392 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2026 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing two different physical treatments for myofascial pain syndrome—a common condition where trigger points in muscles cause neck and shoulder pain. Researchers want to understand whether dry needling (inserting a thin needle into the trigger point) or low-level laser microcurrent electrical stimulation (using a special laser and electrical device) can reduce inflammation in the body and improve pain and function. The study will also test whether combining both treatments works better than either one alone.

Myofascial pain syndrome causes real suffering, but doctors don't yet fully understand how these two promising treatments actually work in the body. By measuring inflammatory markers in the blood before and after treatment, this study aims to figure out whether these treatments reduce pain by lowering inflammation—and which approach works best.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 20 and 45 years old
you have been diagnosed with acute muscle pain in your upper trapezius (upper back and neck area) that started less than one month ago
your pain is at least moderate in intensity (a 4 or higher on a 0–10 pain scale)
you have a confirmed trigger point (a tight knot in the muscle) that reproduces your typical pain when pressed
you are willing and able to provide informed consent and follow all study procedures

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had dry needling or laser therapy for this current episode of muscle pain
your muscle pain has lasted one month or longer (this study only recruits people with recent-onset pain)
you are currently taking anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs or corticosteroids, since these can affect the study results
you have a bleeding disorder, take blood thinners, or have other medical conditions that make needling unsafe
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have active cancer, severe autoimmune disease, or other systemic inflammatory conditions

What participation looks like

You will be randomly assigned to receive one of four treatments: dry needling alone, laser microcurrent electrical stimulation alone, both treatments combined, or a sham (fake) dry needling procedure as a control. You will attend treatment sessions where the therapist applies the assigned treatment to your upper trapezius muscle. Blood samples will be drawn before and after treatment to measure inflammatory markers, and you will complete questionnaires and physical exams to track your pain and function over time.

Two treatments for muscle pain: needling versus laser stimulation

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)