Active Release versus Strain‑Counterstrain for non-specific neck pain
Official title: Effects of Active Release Versus Strain-Counter-strain Technique on Pain, Range of Motion, Cranio-vertebral Angle, and Disability in Patients With Non-Specific Neck Pain
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07026006 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This compares Active Release and Strain‑Counterstrain to see which reduces pain and improves neck movement in adults 18–45 with non-specific neck pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | September 28, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | June 18, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07026006 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–45 with at least two months of localized non‑specific neck pain, palpable taut bands and active trigger points (upper trapezius, levator scapulae, SCM), NPRS >3, craniovertebral angle <53, and no signs of upper‑limb radiculopathy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with fibromyalgia, recent myofascial treatment or trigger‑point injections, congenital or joint/respiratory disease, neurological deficits, or KNGF grade III/IV neck pain are unlikely to benefit from these interventions in this trial.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized clinical trial that will assign adults with non‑specific neck pain to receive either Active Release Technique or Strain‑Counterstrain. Participants are recruited using non‑probability purposive sampling and treated at Riphah Rehabilitation Clinic in Lahore. Key outcomes include pain intensity, neck range of motion, cranio‑vertebral angle, and disability measured before and after the intervention. The trial targets people with chronic localized neck pain and palpable myofascial trigger points and excludes those with radiculopathy, major comorbidities, or recent related treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the superior technique could offer a noninvasive way to reduce neck pain and improve mobility and daily function.
How similar studies have gone: Some smaller trials and case series report benefits from manual trigger‑point and soft‑tissue techniques, but high‑quality RCT evidence directly comparing Active Release and Strain‑Counterstrain is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-45 years * Both male and female * Patients with neck pain for at least 2 months * Palpable taut bands in upper trapezius, SCM * ATrPs in upper trapezius, levator scapulae, SCM * NPRS score is \>3/10 on NPRS for neck region * Individuals with a Craniovertebral angle less than 53 * Individuals having grade 2 severity of neck pain according to KNGF Guidelines * Localized pain/stiffness in cervical spine (C3-C7) without upper limb radiculopathy * Diagnostic Tests: Negative Spurling's test, upper limb tension test, and shoulder abduction test Exclusion Criteria: * Myofascial treatment in the preceding month * Diagnosis of fibromyalgia * Congenital problems * Trigger point injections * Individuals with KNGF Clinical Practice Guideline Grade III and IV severity of neck pain * Respiratory disease and joint disease * Neurological deficit
Where it's running
-
Riphah Rehabilitation Clinic
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Syed Shakil ur Rehman, PhD — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Syed Shakil ur Rehman, PhD
- Email: shakil.urrehman@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: +92 320 786661
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.