Comparing two manual therapy techniques for cervicogenic headaches

Effectiveness of Myofascial Release and Mulligan Concept Techniques in Patients With Cervicogenic Headache: A Single Blind-Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Istanbul Medipol University Hospital · NCT06690411

This study is testing two different hands-on therapy techniques to see which one helps people with cervicogenic headaches feel better and improve their daily activities.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages25 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstanbul Medipol University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul)
Trial IDNCT06690411 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of two manual therapy techniques, the Mulligan Concept and myofascial release, in treating patients with cervicogenic headaches. The study aims to assess various outcomes including pain intensity, frequency, and the impact on daily living activities. Participants will be evaluated based on their hand grip strength, pressure pain threshold, and range of motion, among other factors. The trial will include patients diagnosed with cervicogenic headaches for more than three months and will exclude those with certain medical conditions or previous treatments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 25-60 who have been diagnosed with cervicogenic headaches for over three months and experience neck pain.

Not a fit: Patients with previous cervical surgery, other types of headaches, or serious underlying health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective non-invasive treatment options for patients suffering from cervicogenic headaches.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that manual therapy techniques can be effective in treating cervicogenic headaches, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Having been diagnosed with cervicogenic headache according to the International Classification of Headache Disorder-III diagnostic criteria
* Having been diagnosed with cervicogenic headache for more than 3 months
* Having a headache accompanying neck pain
* Having restricted neck joint movement according to the Flexion-Rotation Test
* Having pain between 3 and 8 according to the Visual Analog Scale
* Being between 25-60 years of age
* Agreeing to participate in the study voluntarily

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous cervical surgery
* Previous cervical trauma
* Having received diagnosis-related physiotherapy in the last 6 months
* Diagnosis of tumor or cancer
* Having other types of headache
* Serious cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, hematological, metabolic, neurological or mental disease
* Being pregnant or breastfeeding
* Having red flags for manual therapy
* Dizziness with headache, visual disturbance
* Congenital cervical disorder
* Rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spondylolisthesis, cervical instability, infection

Where this trial is running

Istanbul

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 Cervicogenic HeadacheCervicogenic HeadachesCervicogenic headacheMulligan SNAGMyofascial ReleasePhysiotherapyHeadacheManual Therapy
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.