Combining dry cupping and neuromuscular inhibition to relieve upper-trapezius trigger-point pain
Official title: The Synergistic Effects of Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition Technique and Dry Cupping Therapy on Pain Modulation and Functional Recovery on Myofascial Trigger Points of Upper Trapezius: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Beni-Suef University · NCT07027644 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether dry cupping combined with an integrated neuromuscular inhibition technique plus stretching and strengthening exercises reduces pain and improves function in adults with chronic upper-trapezius myofascial trigger points.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 130 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Beni-Suef University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Giza) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 20, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 20, 2025 |
| Study ends | September 20, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | August 7, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07027644 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are medically competent adults who have had palpable myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius for more than six months and can attend in-person therapy sessions.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with prior neck or shoulder fracture or surgery, cervical disc disease, systemic disorders or fibromyalgia, or those who received physical therapy in the past three months are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Medically competent adults with chronic myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius (present >6 months) will receive one of several interventions including dry cupping, an integrated neuromuscular inhibition (INI) technique, stretching and strengthening exercises, or a combined program. Pain modulation and functional recovery will be measured before and after the intervention using standard pain scales and functional neck/shoulder assessments. The protocol targets palpable tight bands with nodules that reproduce distant pain on pressure and excludes participants with prior neck/shoulder surgery, fracture, cervical disc pathology, systemic disorders, or recent physical therapy. Treatments are delivered in person at the sponsoring institution with scheduled follow-up assessments to document short-term functional change.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combined treatment could offer a simple, non-drug way to reduce neck pain and restore function for people with chronic upper-trapezius trigger points.
How similar studies have gone: Small trials and clinical reports suggest dry cupping and manual neuromuscular techniques can reduce myofascial pain, but high-quality evidence for their combined use is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Medically competent men and women will be included They had chronic MTrPs in the upper trapezius for more than 6 months Diagnostic criteria of being a tight band with a palpable nodule and distant pain when subjected to pressure Exclusion Criteria: * subjects with previous neck or shoulder pathology (e.g., fracture, sur¬gery, inflammatory and infectious diseases), cervical disc pathology, systemic disorder, fibromyalgia, those who underwent physical therapy for at least the previous 3 months
Where it's running
-
Faculty of Physical Therapy
Giza, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Dina Al-Amir Mohamed, Lecturer
- Email: dinaalamir@pt.bsu.edu.eg
- Phone: 002+01229370053
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Strain Counter Strain vs. Conventional Stretching for neck pain in school-aged kids who sit too long at screens
This study tests whether strain counter strain or traditional neck stretches relieve pain and improve neck movement in kids aged 8–14 who have neck pain from long screen time.
-
Smartphone Overuse and Neck Pain in Galala University Students
A group of university students with mechanical neck pain who use smartphones daily will be examined to see if heavy phone use is linked to how bad their neck pain feels.
-
TENS vs Ultrasound with Exercise for Mechanical Neck Pain
A 44-person randomized trial tests whether TENS plus exercise works better than ultrasound plus exercise for neck pain.
-
Effects of neck and upper back mobilization on neck pain and daily living
This study tests whether cervical spine mobilization alone or combined with thoracic mobilization helps people aged 20–40 with mechanical neck pain feel less pain and disability.
-
Integrated neuromuscular inhibition, dry cupping, and dry needling for neck pain
This trial tests four treatment setups to see which helps people with chronic neck muscle pain best, all alongside standard physical therapy.
-
Deep neck flexor and sensorimotor training for chronic neck pain
This trial will test whether adding deep neck flexor exercises and sensorimotor (proprioception) training to usual physical therapy helps adults aged 20–40 with chronic mechanical neck pain.
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.