Comparing physical therapy methods to improve head‑neck alignment in neck myofascial pain
Official title: Comparative Analysis of Different Physiotherapy Interventions on Craniovertebral Angle in Individuals With Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Radiculopathy: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by National Orthopedic and General Hospital · NCT07098754 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test whether different physical therapy treatments—dry needling, trigger‑point therapy, Maitland mobilizations, TENS, and ultrasound—can improve head‑neck alignment and reduce symptoms in adults 20–40 with cervical myofascial pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Orthopedic and General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bahawalpur, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 5, 2025 |
| Study ends | September 15, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | August 1, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07098754 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 20–40 with a clinical diagnosis of cervical myofascial pain syndrome, mild‑to‑moderate symptoms, and willingness to attend physiotherapy sessions at the Bahawalpur site are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People outside the 20–40 age range, those with severe radiculopathy, major structural spine disease, prior neck surgery, or inability to attend in‑person sessions may not 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
This single‑center interventional study randomizes adults with cervical myofascial pain to receive one of several common physiotherapy interventions (dry needling, trigger‑point therapy, Maitland mobilizations, TENS, or ultrasound) delivered over a defined treatment course. The primary outcome is change in craniovertebral angle (CVA) measured by postural analysis, with secondary outcomes including pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and functional measures. Eligible participants are 20–40 years old with mild‑to‑moderate symptoms and a clinical diagnosis of cervical MPS. All treatments and follow‑up assessments are performed at the National Orthopedic and General Hospital in Bahawalpur and the protocol compares relative effects of established modalities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred therapy could improve head‑neck posture, reduce pain, and help people with cervical myofascial pain return to normal activities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous trials of dry needling and manual therapy have shown short‑term improvements in pain and function for MPS, but evidence that these approaches produce lasting correction of the craniovertebral angle is limited and mixed.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age: Participants must be between 20 and 40 years old. 2. Gender: Both genders, Male and Female have equal chance of selection as participant in the study. 3. Diagnosis: Participants must have a confirmed diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), altered cervical posture, restricted range of motion of cervical spine due to muscular spasm etc, altered craniovertebral angle, pain in cervical region or upper extremity and/or radiculopathy by a qualified healthcare professional, based on standardized diagnostic criteria (e.g., clinical examination, imaging studies). 4. Severity: Participants should have mild to moderate symptoms of MPS and/or radiculopathy, as determined by the assessing healthcare provider. 5. Willingness to Participate: Participants must be willing and able to comply physically and mentally with the study procedures, including attending scheduled physiotherapy sessions and completing outcome assessments. 6. Informed Consent: Participants will have to provide written informed consent mendatorily to be selected as participant in the study after receiving detailed information about the study aims, procedures, potential risks, and benefits. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Severe Comorbidities: Participants with severe comorbidities or medical conditions that may interfere with their ability to participate in the study or confound the interpretation of results will be excluded. C1, C2 compression… vertigo 2. Surgeries: Participants who have undergone surgeries in the cervical or head region in past will be excluded due to potential confounding effects on outcomes. 3. Pregnancy: Pregnant individuals will be excluded from the study due to the potential risks associated with certain physiotherapy modalities and the need for specialized considerations in this population. 4. Contraindications: Participants with contraindications to specific physiotherapy modalities included in the study protocol (e.g., contraindications to dry needling, electrotherapy) will be excluded to ensure participant safety. 5. Inability to Attend Sessions: Participants who are unable to attend scheduled physiotherapy sessions due to logistical constraints (e.g., transportation issues, scheduling conflicts) will be excluded. 6. Cognitive Impairment: Participants with significant cognitive impairment or communication difficulties that may impede their ability to understand and follow study instructions will be excluded. 7. Participation in Other Research: Participants who are currently participating in other research studies involving treatment interventions for MPS and/or radiculopathy will be excluded to avoid potential confounding effects on outcomes and treatment adherence. 8. Malignancies: participants suffering from any kind of malignancies will be excluded from the study. 9. Trauma: Participants having a history of trauma and fractures in head and neck region will also be excluded from the study.
Where it's running
-
National Orthopedic and General Hospital
Bahawalpur, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nasir Mehmood, MPhil
- Email: n.mehmood777@gmail.com
- Phone: +923346165226
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Effects of Different Myofascial Release Techniques on Function in Chronic Neck Pain
This trial tests whether manual or self-applied myofascial release, in addition to standard therapy and exercise, can improve function and reduce pain in adults with chronic non-specific neck pain.
-
Treatment for therapy-resistant myofascial pain using a handheld device
This study tests whether a handheld device that uses sound and electrical stimulation can help people with chronic myofascial pain feel better when other treatments haven't worked.
-
Comparing physiotherapy approaches for anterior pelvic tilt in non‑specific low back pain
This tests whether four different physiotherapy programs help adults aged 20–40 with anterior pelvic tilt and mild-to-moderate non‑specific low back pain feel less pain and improve pelvic posture.
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.