Exercise vs needle treatment for shoulder muscle pain
Part of Bones, joints & muscles, Pain clinical trials.
This study compares three treatments for long-term shoulder muscle pain: exercises, dry needling (tiny needles into tight muscle spots), and a numbing shot between muscle layers. It aims to find which works best for myofascial pain syndrome.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You have had pain in your upper shoulder muscle for at least 3 months
- Your pain level is 4 or higher on a 0-10 scale
- You are between 18 and 55 years old
- You can understand and follow instructions
- You have not had shots or physical therapy for your neck or shoulder in the last 3 months
- You are not pregnant and have no history of cancer, bleeding problems, or serious liver/kidney issues
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
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