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NCT Number: NCT07724639

Effects of Graston Versus Myofascial Release Technique in Patients With Cervicogenic Headache

Cervicogenic Headache (CGH) is a painful condition that has pronounced impacts on quality and activity of daily lives. It is often associated with decreased mobility, muscular tightness, and postural deviations. When neck muscles become tight, weak, or irritated, they change the way the neck moves and put pressure on nearby joints and nerves. This pressure delivers pain signals to the head, causing a Cervicogenic headache.

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Key information

Conditions

Cervicogenic Headache Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Headache Disorders Headache Disorders, Secondary Nervous System Diseases Post-Traumatic Headache

Age range

18 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

About this study

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of the Graston Technique and Myofascial Release in reducing pain, improving cervical range of motion, and decreasing functional disability in patients with Cervicogenic headache.

This study will be a randomized control trial and will be take place at Sehat Medical Complex, lake city branch, Lahore. Non-probability convenience sampling will be used to collect data. Sample size of ( ) subjects with age group between 18-40 years will be taken. Data will be collected from the patients having present complaint of Cervicogenic headache. Outcome measures will be assessed using numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) for pain, Neck Disability Index (NDI) to measure neck related disability, Headache Disability Index (HDI) to assess the impact of headaches on daily activities and emotional well-being and Goniometer for assessing range of motions. An informed consent will be taken and subjects will be selected on basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. They will be divided into two groups by random number generator. One group will receive Graston technique and other myofascial release as a treatment while both groups will be receiving conventional treatment alongside. Outcome measures will be measured at baseline and after 4 weeks. Data analysis will be done by SPSS version 21.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Males and females between age 18-40 years [A30.1]of age with Cervicogenic Headache
  • Diagnosed with Cervicogenic headache according to ICHD-3 criteria (3)
  • Presence of active myofascial trigger points in the SCM and upper trapezius and subocvcipital levator scapuli (confirmed [A31.1]via palpation and referred pain) simens [A32.1]criteria
  • Positive Cervical Flexion Rotation Test

Exclusion criteria

  • Any history of cervical trauma, fracture, or recent surgery.
  • Diagnosis of migraine, tension-type headache, or cluster headache (9).
  • Any cervical spine pathology e.g. cervical myelopathies and arthropathies.
  • Pregnant or lactating women.
  • Skin conditions or open wounds that contraindicate use of Graston tools e.g. open wounds, skin infections and burns etc.

Treatment and study plan

Graston Technique

Other
  • Applied to: Sternocleidomastoid, Upper trapezius, Levator scapulae, Suboccipitals and cervical paraspinals.
  • Duration: 5-7 minutes per session, depending on patient tolerance and therapist assessment.
  • Frequency: 2-3 sessions per week, for 4 weeks

Myofascial release therapy

Other
  • Manual release applied to same regions as above using sustained pressure and fascial stretch.
  • Duration: 7-10 minutes per session.
  • Frequency: 2-3 sessions per week, for 4 weeks.

Primary outcomes

  1. Neck Disability Index (NDI)

    Time frame: upto 4 weeks

  2. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)

    Time frame: upto 4 weeks

    Patient level of pain will be assessed using this scale. This scale ranges from 0 to 10. 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "worst pain".

Secondary outcomes

  1. Universal Goniometer (UG)

    Time frame: upto 4 weeks

    The range of motion will be measured using universal goniometer that has an inter-rater reliability (ICC2, 2 = 0.79 to 0.92) for cervical region

  2. Global Rating of Change (GROC) scale

    Time frame: upto 4 weeks

    Global Rating of Change (GROC) scale

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Sumrod Akram

CONTACT

[email protected]

03324806143

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Graston Versus Myofascial Release Technique on Pain, Range of Motion and Functional Disability in Patients With Cervicogenic Headache

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 24, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 24, 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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