Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation versus Dry Needling in Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Physical Therapy, General Zagazig Hospital, Al Shaqia, Egypt

2 Professor of Physical Therapy, Basic Science Department, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt

3 Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy, Basic Science Department, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt

10.21608/iptccu.2025.440722

Abstract

 The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with dry needling (DN) in treating myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the upper trapezius muscle among individuals with non-specific chronic neck pain (NSCNP). Sixty participants aged 20-40 years with a BMI of 18-30 kg/m² were randomized into three groups: Group A received TENS with conventional physiotherapy, Group B received dry needling with conventional physiotherapy, and Group C received only conventional physiotherapy. Visual Analog Scale, Pressure Pain Algometry, Cervical Range of Motion device and The Neck Disability Index, were used to measure neck disability, cervical range of motion (ROM), pain intensity, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) at baseline and after four weeks of treatment.Results showed that Group A experienced a significant decrease in pain intensity and neck disability scores, along with an increase in cervical ROM and PPT, compared to Groups B and C. Group A demonstrated the most significant improvements (p < 0.001). The study concluded that adding electrophysical agents such as TENS to conventional PT may be more effective than dry needling combined with conventional PT or conventional PT alone in reducing pain, improving cervical ROM, and decreasing neck disability in treating upper trapezius MTrPs in NSCNP.

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