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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07602972

Effects of Graston Technique Versus Soft Tissue Release on Neck Pain and Range of Motion.

This study compares two manual therapy techniques for treating tension neck syndrome: Graston Technique and Manual Soft Tissue Release. Tension neck syndrome causes neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

Participants will be assigned to receive either Graston Technique or Manual Soft Tissue Release for a set number of sessions. Researchers will measure changes in neck pain and range of motion before and after treatment to see which technique is more effective.

The purpose is to provide evidence on the best manual therapy approach for improving neck pain and movement in patients with tension neck syndrome.

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Key information

Conditions

Tension Neck Syndrome Neck Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

20 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Rafique Bhatti Memorial Hospital, Department of Physiotherapy

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan

About this study

Tension neck syndrome is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by neck pain, muscle tightness, and limited cervical range of motion. Manual therapy interventions such as Graston Technique and Manual Soft Tissue Release are widely used in physiotherapy practice, but direct comparative evidence between them is limited.

This interventional study aims to compare the effects of Graston Technique versus Manual Soft Tissue Release on pain intensity and cervical range of motion in patients diagnosed with tension neck syndrome.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups. Group 1 will receive Graston Technique, and Group 2 will receive Manual Soft Tissue Release. Both interventions will be delivered by qualified physiotherapists according to a standardized protocol. Outcomes including pain, measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and cervical range of motion, measured by goniometry, will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention.

The study will help determine which technique provides greater improvement in pain reduction and functional mobility, guiding clinical decision-making in the management of tension neck syndrome.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Patients aged 20-60 years.
  • Patients of both genders.
  • Patients with persistent neck pain.
  • Patients with neck pain absent of spondylosis, disk prolapse, or radiculopathy.

Exclusion criteria

  • The patients who did not want to participate
  • The patients who just had cervical spine surgery.
  • The patients who had recent cervical injury.
  • The patients who comes with tumor of the cervical spine.
  • The patients affected by neck dysfunction.
  • The patients with cervical disc herniation.
  • The patients who had difficulties in language.

Treatment and study plan

Graston Technique

Procedure

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization using stainless steel Graston Technique instruments. The technique is applied to the cervical spine and upper trapezius muscles to reduce pain and improve range of motion in patients with tension neck syndrome. Treatment is delivered by a licensed physiotherapist according to the study protocol.

Other names: IASTM

Manual Soft Tissue Release

Procedure

Manual soft tissue mobilization technique performed by a licensed physiotherapist using hands-on pressure and stretching. The technique targets tightness in the cervical spine and upper trapezius muscles to reduce pain and improve cervical range of motion in patients with tension neck syndrome. Treatment is delivered according to the study protocol.

Other names: MSTR, Manual Therapy

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Neck Pain Intensity

    Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention

    Neck pain intensity measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), where 0 = no pain and 10 = worst pain imaginable. Higher scores indicate greater pain.

  2. Change in Cervical Range of Motion

    Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention

    Cervical range of motion for flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation measured in degrees using a goniometer. Higher values indicate greater range of motion.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Green International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Effects of Graston Technique and Manual Soft Tissue Release on Pain and Range of Motion in Patients With Tension Neck Syndrome

Acronym: GT vs MSTR

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 22, 2026
Registry last updated
May 22, 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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