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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07413770

Comparison of Treatment Modalities in Myofascial Pain Syndrome

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of classical massage on pain, muscle sensitivity, muscle activity, functional status, and quality of life in individuals with myofascial pain syndrome, and to compare the effectiveness of classical massage applied alone versus in combination with a conventional physiotherapy program.

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Key information

Conditions

Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome Fibromyalgia Massage Therapy Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Diseases Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Physiotherapy Rheumatic Diseases Signs and Symptoms

Age range

30 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Biruni University

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

conventional treatment

Other

Participants inthis group will receive a conventional physiotherapy program consisting of moist heat application for 15 minutes, pain-limited static stretching of the upper trapezius muscle (30-second stretch with 10-second rest, repeated five times), electrotherapy modalities (TENS, ultrasound, and infrared therapy), and postural education with a home exercise program for approximately 10 minutes.

Therapeutic Massage

Other

Participants in this group will receive a 20-minute therapeutic massage intervention identical in technique and sequence to the massage component applied in combined group, targeting the neck and upper back muscles using Swedish massage techniques, without additional conventional physiotherapy modalities.

Combined treatment

Other

Participants in this group will receive a combined intervention consisting of a conventional physiotherapy program together with a 20-minute therapeutic massage applied to the neck and upper back muscles (erector spinae, upper and middle trapezius, and levator scapulae), delivered according to Swedish massage principles, including effleurage, kneading, and deep friction techniques targeting active trigger points.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain Intensity

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    The primary outcome of this study is pain intensity, will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a 10-cm scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain), with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Pressure Pain Threshold-Algometer

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    Muscle sensitivity will be evaluated using a pressure algometer applied over the upper trapezius trigger point, where higher values indicate reduced tenderness. Results will be recorded in kg/cm².

  2. Muscle Activity

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    Muscle activity will be evaluated using surface electromyography (EMG) through root mean square (RMS) values recorded at rest and during 90 degrees of shoulder abduction. Higher RMS values indicate greater muscle activation. Results will ve recorded in µV.

  3. Functional Status (Neck Disability Index)

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    Functional disability related to neck pain will be evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Total score ranges from 0 to 50; higher scores indicate greater disability. Lower scores reflect improved functional status.

  4. Quality of Life (SF-12)

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    Health-related quality of life will be assessed using the Short Form-12 questionnaire. Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores. Higher scores indicate better quality of life.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Biruni University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Classical Massage in Individuals With Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Feb 17, 2026
Registry last updated
May 19, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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