Combining dry cupping and neuromuscular inhibition to relieve upper-trapezius trigger-point pain
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
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 130 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Beni-Suef University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Giza) |
| Trial ID | NCT07027644 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Giza
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.