Massage Gun vs Deep Friction Massage for Upper Trapezius Trigger Points
Official title: Effectiveness Of Massage Gun Therapy Versus Deep Friction Massage On Upper Trapezius Trigger Points
Run by Ibadat International University, Islamabad · NCT07681661 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether massage gun therapy or deep friction massage better reduces pain and improves neck function for people with trigger points in the upper trapezius.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 24 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 46 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ibadat International University, Islamabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07681661 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 24–45 with active upper trapezius trigger points and VAS pain >4/10, who have not received neck/shoulder treatment in the past 4 weeks.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants with non-trigger-point neck pain or contraindications to massage therapies may receive limited or no benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study compares two hands-on treatments for upper trapezius myofascial trigger points. Participants with active trigger points and moderate to severe neck/shoulder pain will be randomized to receive either massage gun therapy or deep friction massage. Outcomes include pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, neck range of motion, and neck-related disability. The goal is to see which approach provides greater pain relief and functional improvement. The study is conducted at Gulf Care Hospital and River Gardens in Islamabad under Ibadat International University.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience greater pain relief and better neck function from one of the therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has explored manual therapies for trigger points, but direct head-to-head comparisons between massage gun therapy and deep friction massage are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Presence of active trigger points in the upper trapezius (confirmed by palpation, referred pain pattern, and pain reproduction)(travell and simson's method). Moderate to severe pain (VAS\>4/10). No prior treatment for neck/shoulder pain in past 4 weeks. Age 24-45 years (young adults according to WHO classification) Both genders Exclusion Criteria:History of cervical spine surgery or severe musculoskeletal pathology. Neurological deficits. Systemic disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia). Recent trauma or fractures in the neck/shoulder region. Current pregnancy. \-
Where it's running
-
Gulf Care Hospital, River gardens
Islamabad, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Muhammad Ashar Rafi, Dpt, Ms-Nmpt — Ibadat International University, Islamabad
- Study coordinator: Muhammad Ashar Rafi, Dpt, Ms-Nmpt
- Email: ashar.rafi@uipt.iiui.edu.pk
- Phone: 0092-308-3407837
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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.