Comparing pressure release therapy for neck pain

Effects of Pressure Release of Myofascial Trigger Points on Mechanical Neck Pain. Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial.

Not applicable Interventional Universidad Complutense de Madrid · NCT06051799

This study is testing if pressure release therapy can help reduce neck pain better than just exercise and posture correction for people with trigger points in their neck muscles.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment104 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversidad Complutense de Madrid Academic / other
Locations1 site (Getafe, Madrid)
Trial IDNCT06051799 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares the effectiveness of pressure release therapy on myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles against a control group receiving only therapeutic exercise and postural correction. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the treatment group or the control group, with both groups undergoing a treatment protocol of one session per week. A follow-up will occur two weeks after the treatment ends to assess outcomes. The goal is to determine if pressure release therapy provides significant benefits in alleviating mechanical neck pain compared to standard treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 55 with a history of neck pain and active or latent myofascial trigger points in the relevant muscles.

Not a fit: Patients with recent trauma, malignancies, or those currently undergoing other treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a non-invasive and effective treatment option for individuals suffering from mechanical neck pain.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar manual therapy techniques for myofascial pain, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects between 18 and 55 years of age in order to avoid degenerative phenomena.
* Have suffered from neck pain at least once in the last month.
* Active or latent myofascial trigger points in the Upper Trapezius and Sternocleidomastoid muscles.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with recent trauma (last 6 months) to the upper quadrant or spine.
* Patients with pathologies involving malignant neoplasms.
* Surgery on the trunk or upper limb in the last six months.
* Patients undergoing pharmacological or physiotherapy treatment at the time of the test.
* Pregnancy.
* No myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius or sternocleidomastoid muscles.
* Refusal to sign the consent form for the study or not being able to do so.

Where this trial is running

Getafe, Madrid

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Myofascial Pain Syndrome of NeckTrigger Point Pain, MyofascialMyofacial Painupper trapeziussternocleidomastoidmanual therapytrigger pointsMyofascial pain syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.