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NCT Number: NCT07681661

Massage Gun vs Deep Friction Massage for Upper Trapezius Trigger Points

This study compares the effectiveness of Massage Gun Therapy and Deep Friction Massage in individuals with upper trapezius myofascial trigger points. The interventions will be evaluated for their effects on pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, cervical range of motion, and neck disability. The aim is to determine which treatment is more effective in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes.

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Key information

Conditions

Myofacial Trigger Points of Upper Trapezius

Age range

24 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Gulf Care Hospital, River gardens

Islamabad, Pakistan

Location status: Recruiting

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

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.

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Treatment and study plan

Massage Gun Therapy

Other

Massage Gun Therapy will be applied to the upper trapezius myofascial trigger point using a handheld percussive massage device. Participants will receive treatment for 5 minutes per session, three sessions per week for 2 weeks. The intervention aims to reduce pain, decrease muscle tension, improve pressure pain threshold, and enhance cervical range of motion and functional ability.

Deep Friction Massage Group

Other

Deep Friction Massage will be applied manually over the upper trapezius myofascial trigger point using transverse friction techniques. Each session will last 5 minutes and will be administered three times per week for 2 weeks. The intervention aims to reduce pain, decrease muscle tightness, improve pressure pain threshold, increase cervical range of motion, and enhance functional ability.

Primary outcomes

  1. Numaric Pain Rating scale(NPRS)

    Time frame: Baseline and post-intervention( From enrollment of first week and then to the end of 2 weeks)

    Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS): Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, an 11-point self-reported scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "worst imaginable pain." Participants will rate their current level of pain, with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) Neck Disability Index (NDI)

    Time frame: Cervical ROM (Inclinometer): Baseline and after 2 weeks of intervention. Neck Disability Index(NDI):Baseline and after 2 weeks of intervention.

    Cervical ROM (Inclinometer): Cervical range of motion will be measured using an inclinometer to assess neck movements including flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. Higher values indicate greater cervical mobility and improved neck function. Neck Disability Index(NDI):The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a self-reported questionnaire used to assess neck-related functional disability. Scores range from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating greater disability.

  2. Neck Disability Index (NDI)

    Time frame: Baseline and after 2 weeks of intervention.

    The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a self-reported questionnaire used to assess neck-related functional disability. Scores range from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating greater disability.

Study contacts

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

MUHAMMAD ASHAR RAFI, DPT, MS-NMPT

CONTACT

[email protected]

0092-308-3407837

Taila Nazir Malik, DPT

CONTACT

[email protected]

0092-336-5838844

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ibadat International University, Islamabad

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effectiveness Of Massage Gun Therapy Versus Deep Friction Massage On Upper Trapezius Trigger Points

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 2, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 2, 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.