Comparing Treatments for Tension-Type Headaches

This study is comparing two different physical therapy approaches for people with tension-type headaches. One group will receive thrust manipulation (a type of spinal adjustment), electric dry needling (inserting thin needles with electrical stimulation), and exercise. The other group will receive non-thrust mobilization (gentle joint movements), soft-tissue mobilization (massage-like techniques), exercise, and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, which uses mild electrical current for pain relief). The goal is to see which approach is more effective at reducing headache intensity. You may be able to join if you are between 18 and 65 years old and experience frequent tension-type headaches. The study is currently unclear on its recruitment status.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 110 participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups.
What's involved
You would receive 2 treatment sessions per week for 6 weeks, totaling 8 to 12 sessions. Your headache intensity will be measured at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your headache intensity will be monitored for 12 weeks after starting the study.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT04609709

HVLAT, Electric DN, Exercise Vs. Mobilization, STM, Exercise, TENS for Tension Type Headaches

Recruiting
NAAges 18–65InterventionalTreatment
Alabama Physical Therapy & Acupuncture
~110 participants
Updated 2025-05-18 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Thrust Manipulation, Electric Dry Needling and ExerciseNon-thrust Mobilization, Soft-Tissue Mobilization, Exercise and TENS

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in Headache Intensity (NPRS)
Measured over Baseline, 4-weeks, 8-weeks, 12-weeks
Tension-Type Headache

NCT04609709

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Maller and Swoverland Orthopedic PT

    Fort Wayne, Indianastudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • James Dunning, DPT PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · American Academy of Manipulative Therapy

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Patient must be between 18 and 65 years old and report ALL YES under one of the Tension-type Headaches described below:
  • Change in Headache Intensity (NPRS)Baseline, 4-weeks, 8-weeks, 12-weeks

    Average Numeric Pain Rating Score. Higher score means greater pain