ERGON Therapy and Muscle Energy Technique for Mechanical Neck Pain

Mechanical neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that can adversely affect daily activities, work productivity, and quality of life. Various manual therapy approaches have been used to manage neck pain, including Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) techniques such as ERGON Therapy and Muscle Energy Technique (MET). However, limited evidence exists regarding the comparative effectiveness of ERGON Therapy with and without MET in individuals with mechanical neck pain.

This randomized clinical trial will recruit 42 participants diagnosed with mechanical neck pain. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated into two groups. Group A will receive ERGON Therapy in combination with Muscle Energy Technique, while Group B will receive ERGON Therapy alone. In addition, both groups will receive a standardized conventional physiotherapy program consisting of TENS, hot pack application, and cervical stretching exercises.

The intervention period will be conducted according to a predefined treatment protocol. Outcome measures will include pain intensity assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), cervical range of motion measured using appropriate clinical tools, and functional disability assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Assessments will be performed at baseline and after completion of the intervention period.

The primary objective of the study will be to determine whether the addition of Muscle Energy Technique to ERGON Therapy provides superior improvements in pain reduction, cervical mobility, and functional disability compared with ERGON Therapy alone. The results of this trial are expected to contribute to evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for the management of mechanical neck pain.

Inclusion criteria

Individuals clinically diagnosed with mechanical neck pain Duration of neck pain of at least 2 weeks Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

History of cervical spine surgery within the past 12 months History of trauma or infection in the cervical region Presence of neurological deficits or cervical radiculopathy Presence of systemic disorders affecting musculoskeletal function Any other musculoskeletal deformity or significant disability affecting the neck region

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