Dry Needling vs. Cupping Therapy in MPS

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Dry Needling and Cupping Therapy in Patients With Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Trial

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of dry needling and cupping therapy in patients diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome involving the trapezius, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and levator scapulae muscles. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS), the number of trigger points, the Likert satisfaction scale, and the multidimensional quality of life scale.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of dry needling (DN) and cupping therapy in 92 patients with chronic myofascial pain syndrome. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one receiving a 10-session cupping regimen and the other undergoing a three-session dry needling protocol, with both groups performing home-based exercises.

Results showed that both treatments significantly reduced pain and improved patient outcomes over three months. When compared directly, cupping therapy was more effective at reducing trigger points and improving overall quality of life. Conversely, dry needling resulted in higher levels of patient satisfaction. In conclusion, both methods are valuable tools for managing myofascial pain, and the choice of treatment may depend on whether the clinical priority is physical symptom relief or patient preference. Further research is recommended to better define the specific long-term applications of these therapies.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Back pain lasting more than three months
• At least one palpable myofascial TN in the trapezius, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and/or levator scapulae muscles
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior dry needling treatment
• Prior cupping therapy
• Severe cognitive dysfunction
• Spinal fracture
• Infection
• Malignancy
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Central nervous system injury
• Psychiatric disorder
• Diseases causing tissue degeneration
• Conditions associated with spasticity or cerebrovascular disease
• Cervical radiculopathy due to structural abnormalities
• Muscle or tendon injuries of the shoulder or neck
• Fibromyalgia or other conditions presenting with symptoms similar to myofascial pain syndrome
• Use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy
• Thrombocytopenia or hemorrhagic disorders
• A history of surgery or blood donation within the previous three months
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Presence of renal, hepatic, or severe cardiovascular disease