About This Study
This research study is designed to better understand painful muscle “knots,” also called trigger points, in the upper shoulder muscle (the trapezius). We will compare real dry needling to a sham (placebo) procedure to see how each affects muscle function and pain. The study is being conducted at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).
Participants are randomly assigned to receive either dry needling or sham needling. Neither you nor most of the study team will know which treatment you receive.
What Participation Involves
Your participation will last about two weeks and includes two in-person study visits.
Visit 1: Baseline Visit (about 3 hours)
Eligibility Verification
We will review your medical history and medications. We will also check if you have a qualifying trigger point in your upper back (trapezius). If you are eligible, you will be enrolled in the study.
Muscle Biomarker Measurements
We will then perform several tests to evaluate the muscle, including:
Muscle Ultrasound
Electrical Impedance Myography
Algometry
Muscle Excitability Testing
You will also complete questionnaires about your health and pain. You will be asked to avoid strenuous upper-body exercise for 24 hours before this visit.
Treatment Session (5-10 Minutes)
You will receive one session of either dry needling or sham needling using a single-use needle on the selected trigger point. The sham procedure feels similar but does not involve actual needling of the muscle.
Between Visits
For the two weeks after the treatment session, you will be asked to complete a short daily pain rating at home.
Visit 2: Follow-Up Visit (2 1/2 hours)
The same muscle tests and questionnaires from the baseline visit will be repeated, along with a few new questions. This will allow us to see how things have changed.
Safety and Comfort
All procedures use standard clinical equipment and single-use needles. Discomfort is usually mild and temporary. Any side effects will be closely monitored and recorded.
Compensation
The study compensation structure is shown below. Parking stickers will be provided to any potential participant that parks at the BIDMC garage.
| Study Component | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Visit 1 Screening - No Eligible Trigger Point | $50 |
| Visit 1 - Eligible Trigger Point Found and Visit Completed | $150 |
| Daily Survey Question | $5 per completed survey |
| Visit 2 - Visit Completed | $300 |
Interested?
Fill out our survey to see if you are eligible, and a member of our team will reach out to you. You can also reach out to directly to our study team member:
Tatyana Okanlomo
Email: tokanlom@bidmc.harvard.edu
Office: (617)667-3083