Effects of Different Myofascial Release Techniques on Function in Chronic Neck Pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

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, randomized controlled study compares three approaches to managing chronic non-specific neck pain in adults aged 18–45. Participants are allocated to: (1) conventional therapy with structured exercise, (2) conventional therapy plus manual myofascial release by a clinician, or (3) conventional therapy plus supervised self-administered myofascial release. All interventions occur three times weekly for six weeks, with primary outcomes focusing on pain intensity and secondary measures including pressure pain thresholds and tolerances. The study targets patients with myofascial trigger points in upper-quarter muscles and excludes those with serious cervical pathology or other confounding conditions. The goal is to determine which myofascial release approach, combined with exercise, yields the best functional and pain outcomes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Neck pain persisting for at least 3 months and diagnosed as chronic non-specific neck pain by a specialist physician
* Aged between 18 and 45 years
* Perceived pain affecting daily living activities (VAS at least 3)
* Presence of myofascial trigger points in the upper-quarter muscles

Exclusion Criteria:

* Specific serious cervical spine pathology (radiculopathy, myelopathy, severe nerve root compression, spondylosis, and similar)
* History of rheumatologic, neurologic, or systemic disease (for example, acute inflammation, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or cancer)
* History of trauma, fracture, or surgery involving the neck, shoulder, or upper extremity
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Any diagnosed psychiatric disorder (for example, major depression or anxiety disorder) or regular use of psychopharmacological medication
* Use of systemic analgesics, NSAIDs, or muscle relaxants within the last 7 days for pain control
* Any physiotherapy, manual therapy, or injection treatment to the neck region within the last 3 months

Where it's running

• Eastern Mediterranean University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Healthy Living Center (SAYMER), Orthopedic Rehabilitation Unit
  Famagusta, Hatay, Cyprus Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Süleyman Güzelşemme — Eastern Mediterranean University
• Study coordinator: Süleyman Güzelşemme, PT, PhD(c)
• Email: suleyman.guzelsemme@gmail.com
• Phone: +905397892296

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Ischemic Compression Plus Home Exercise for Non-Specific Neck Pain

  This study tests whether adding ischemic compression to a home exercise program helps reduce neck pain and disability more than home exercise alone in adults with non-specific neck pain.

  Recruiting Istanbul Rumeli University · Istanbul, Bakırköy · NCT07685418

• Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization vs Post Facilitation Stretch in Chronic Neck Pain

  This trial compares two manual therapy techniques, IASTM and Post Facilitation Stretch, to see which better reduces neck pain and improves movement and function in adults with chronic neck pain.

  Recruiting Foundation University Islamabad · Islamabad, Punjab Province · NCT07887698

• Cervical Epidural Block With or Without Exercises for Chronic Neck Pain

  This study tests whether adding cervical stabilization exercises or physical therapy to a cervical epidural block helps reduce neck pain and improve function in adults with chronic neck pain and cervical radiculopathy.

  Recruiting Sakarya University · Adapazarı, Sakarya · NCT07787741

• Accessory breathing muscles in people with chronic neck pain

  This study compares how accessory chest and neck muscles work in people with chronic neck pain vs. healthy individuals to see how they relate to diaphragm function and overall breathing.

  Recruiting Kocaeli Sağlık ve Teknoloji Üniversitesi · Kocaeli, Derince · NCT07782099

• Physical profile of cervicogenic headache vs neck pain and healthy people

  This observational study tests whether posture, grip strength, muscle stiffness, elasticity, and pressure sensitivity differ among people with cervicogenic headache, chronic neck pain, and healthy controls.

  Recruiting Istanbul Medipol University Hospital · Istanbul, Sefaköy · NCT07776275

• Breathing new life into neck pain: brain activity and six weeks of physiotherapy

  This study tests whether brain activity measured by EEG changes after six weeks of manual therapy and neck exercises in adults with chronic neck pain.

  Recruiting University of Deusto · San Sebastián, Guipuzcoa · NCT07756229

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.