Massage alone versus massage plus physiotherapy for upper trapezius myofascial pain
Effects of Classical Massage in Individuals With Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This test tries to see if classical massage alone or combined with conventional physiotherapy reduces pain and improves function in adults aged 30–50 with active trigger points in the upper trapezius.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 30 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Biruni University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07413770 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults aged 30–50 with physician-confirmed myofascial pain syndrome and at least one active trigger point in the upper trapezius are enrolled. Participants receive classical (therapeutic) massage alone or classical massage combined with a conventional physiotherapy program. Outcomes include pain intensity, muscle sensitivity and activity, functional status, and quality of life measured before and after the intervention period. The study excludes people with systemic rheumatologic disease, neuropathic pain or cervical radiculopathy, and those with contraindications to manual therapy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 30–50 with Travell and Simons–confirmed myofascial pain syndrome, at least one active upper trapezius trigger point, pain for ≥3 months, VAS ≥4/10, and NDI ≥10/50 are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with systemic musculoskeletal or rheumatologic disorders, signs of neuropathic pain or cervical radiculopathy, contraindications to massage, or recent similar manual treatments are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding physiotherapy to classical massage could reduce pain and improve neck function and quality of life using non‑drug treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown modest benefits from massage and physiotherapy for myofascial pain, but combined protocols and direct comparisons have produced mixed and limited high‑quality evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome confirmed by a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, according to the criteria of Travell and Simons (1992) * Male or female participants aged 30-50 years * Presence of at least one active trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle confirmed by palpation * Pain radiating to the neck and upper extremity persisting for at least 3 months * Pain intensity of ≥4/10 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) * Functional impairment indicated by a Neck Disability Index (NDI) score ≥10/50 (≥20%) * Written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of diagnosed systemic musculoskeletal or rheumatologic disorders (e.g., fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis) * Signs or symptoms of neuropathic pain or cervical radiculopathy * Conditions contraindicating massage therapy (e.g., skin infection, open wounds, bleeding disorders, active inflammation) * Receipt of manual therapy, massage, dry needling, injections, or similar treatments targeting the affected region within the preceding 1 month * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * History of acute trauma, fracture, or surgical intervention involving the neck or shoulder region
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- Biruni University — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Begüm Kara Kaya, PhD
- Email: bkara@biruni.edu.tr
- Phone: +905355720021
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.