Comparing muscle energy technique and strain counterstrain for neck pain relief

Muscle Energy Technique Versus Strain Counterstrain in Treatment of Upper Trapezius Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

This study is testing whether a special muscle technique combined with physical therapy or another technique with physical therapy works better than just physical therapy alone for relieving neck pain.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 54 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 40 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Cairo University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Kafr Ash Shaykh)
• Trial ID: NCT05925205 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of muscle energy technique combined with physical therapy, strain counterstrain combined with physical therapy, and physical therapy alone in treating upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome. It will assess outcomes such as pain intensity, pain pressure threshold, cervical lateral flexion and rotation range of motion, and overall neck function. The study addresses a common yet often overlooked condition that significantly impacts patients' quality of life and healthcare systems. By conducting a randomized controlled trial, the research seeks to provide high-quality evidence on the effectiveness and safety of these treatment techniques.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 40 with active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle and neck pain lasting less than three months.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain syndrome, other neck muscle trigger points, or a history of significant neck or shoulder injuries will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective treatment options for patients suffering from upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have shown improvements with both techniques, this study is novel in combining them with a physical therapy protocol specifically for this patient population.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria

Patients will be included in the study if they fulfil the following criteria:

1. They have active myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle bilaterally according to the established criteria for myofascial trigger points examination.
2. They have neck pain less than three months.
3. Their age ranges from 18 to 40 years old. Exclusion Criteria

Patients will be excluded from the study if they fulfil the following criteria:

1. Patients with chronic pain syndrome.
2. Patients having myofascial trigger points in other neck muscles.
3. Patients having a history of an injury or surgery or instability or deformity including both; cervical spine and shoulder.
4. Patients diagnosed with a neurological disorder including altered sensation, migraine, cervical spondylosis, radiculopathy, or myelopathy, and tumour.
5. Patients with a systemic disease including rheumatoid arthritis, Reiter's syndrome, diabetes, fibromyalgia syndrome, and severe medical or psychiatric disorders.

Where this trial is running

Kafr Ash Shaykh

• The Outpatient Clinics, Faculty of Physical Therapy Kafrelsheikh University — Kafr Ash Shaykh, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Haytham Morsi, M.Sc.

Conditions Physical Therapy; Muscle energy technique, strain counterstrain, trapezius.