Effectiveness of Kinesiologic Taping and Dry Needling in the Treatment of Subacromial Pain Syndrome
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Kinesio Taping, Dry Needling, Exercise Program, Conventional Physical Therapy (TENS/Ultrasound/Heat pack).
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Shoulder Pain, Shoulder Impingement Syndrome. Basic parameters: 18 years — 65 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
The Comparison of the Effectiveness of Kinesiologic Taping and Dry Needling in the Treatment of Subacromial Pain Syndrome: a Randomize Trial
Overview
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two common physiotherapy methods, Kinesiologic Taping (KT) and Dry Needling (DN), in the treatment of Subacromial Pain Syndrome (SAPS), a frequent cause of shoulder pain. The trial also investigates whether using KT and DN together provides greater benefits than using them separately. The main goal is to determine which treatment approach is more effective in reducing pain and improving shoulder function in patients with SAPS.
Interventions
- Other Kinesio Taping
Participants received Kinesio Taping (KT) applied to the affected shoulder using standard 5-cm Kinesio Tex tape. Before application, an allergy test was performed by placing a small patch of tape on the contralateral forearm for 15 minutes. The taping procedure included three regions: supraspinatus muscle, deltoid muscle, and glenohumeral joint. Application technique: Supraspinatus: Y-strip applied from insertion on the greater tubercle along the muscle to its origin with 20-25% stretch. Delt - Other Dry Needling
Participants received dry needling (DN) applied with sterile, disposable stainless-steel needles (0.30 mm × 50 mm). Target muscles included the supraspinatus, deltoideus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and pectoralis major. Technique: The "fast-in, fast-out" method (Hong technique) was used. After cleaning the skin with alcohol, the needle was inserted into a palpable taut band until the first local twitch response (LTR) was elicited. The needle was moved vertically (5-10 mm) at \~1 Hz for 25-30 - Behavioral Exercise Program
All participants were instructed in a standardized home-based exercise program designed to improve shoulder mobility and stability. Content: Exercises included active range-of-motion movements, scapular stabilization, and strengthening of rotator cuff and periscapular muscles. Ergonomic advice and posture correction were also provided. Delivery: Participants were taught the program in person and instructed to perform the exercises at home. Schedule: Exercises were performed daily for 3 weeks, - Device Conventional Physical Therapy (TENS/Ultrasound/Heat pack)
Participants in this arm received conventional physical therapy modalities commonly used for the management of subacromial pain syndrome. Modalities: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), therapeutic ultrasound, or superficial heat pack were applied based on standard clinical practice. Additional care: Sessions also included passive mobilization of the shoulder into end range, scapular stabilization exercises, and ergonomic/postural advice. Schedule: One-hour treatment sessions,
Primary outcome measures
- Pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS) [Time frame: Baseline, immediately after first treatment, 1 week after first treatment, and at the end of week 3.]
Secondary outcome measures (2)
- Shoulder function (Quick-DASH questionnaire) [Time frame: Baseline, 1 week after first treatment, and at the end of week 3.]
- Kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, TSK-19) [Time frame: Baseline, 1 week after first treatment, and at the end of week 3.]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
Age 18-65 years
Pain in the upper, outer arm, especially during shoulder elevation
Shoulder pain lasting more than 6 weeks with or without partial rotator cuff tear
At least three of the following findings:
Painful arc during flexion or abduction
Positive Neer test
Positive Hawkins-Kennedy test
Painful resisted external rotation
Positive Jobe's test
Diagnosis confirmed by MRI evaluation when indicated
Exclusion criteria
Participation in a physical therapy program or receipt of injection therapy within the past 3 months
Previous shoulder surgery
Presence of joint contracture
Complete tendon rupture
Cervical radiculopathy
Systemic inflammatory disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis)
Known allergy to tape or materials used in interventions
Bleeding disorders
Local infection or open wound in the treatment area
Cognitive dysfunction that prevents cooperation
History of malignancy
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Open label
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07190768 · 2025-3