The Effectiveness of Dry Needling Treatment in Patients With Shoulder Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Myofascial pain can be diagnosed by the presence of one or more myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), defined as hyperirritable spots in taut bands of skeletal muscle fibers palpable by hand. The treatment of myofascial pain primarily relies on the inactivation of MTrPs, often through manual pressure techniques or dry needling. In manual pressure techniques, the physiotherapist applies increasing pressure directly to the MTrP. In dry needling, acupuncture-like filiform needles are applied to the same point. There are two types of dry needling: superficial dry needling, which penetrates only the skin and superficial muscle, and deep dry needling, which involves inserting a needle directly into the MTrP. The sole or adjunct effectiveness of dry needling treatment targeting the trapezius and infraspinatus muscles has been investigated, particularly in patients with shoulder myofascial pain syndrome. In the study we are planning, a double-blinded efficacy trial will be conducted in patients with shoulder myofascial pain syndrome, where real and sham dry needling applications will be performed under ultrasound guidance, with both the patient and the evaluator blinded. This study design has the potential to make a significant contribution to the literature in this field.

Inclusion Criteria: * Clinically diagnosed with Shoulder Myofascial Pain Syndrome associated with Infraspinatus trigger point. * Having a shoulder pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score of 6 or higher. * Ability to read and write Exclusion Criteria: * History of shoulder surgery and frozen shoulder syndrome. * Lesions, atrophy, or scars in the skin around the shoulder. * Having undergone physiotherapy targeting the shoulder in the last 6 months. * Undergoing an interventional procedure for shoulder pain in the last 3 months. * Having used steroids in the last 1 month. * Special conditions such as epilepsy, pregnancy, injection phobia, etc. * Inability to comply with the restriction on the use of steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during the treatment period.