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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07515352

Myofascial Release and Positional Release Techniques in Unilateral Trapezitis

Unilateral trapezitis is characterized by upper trapezius myofascial pain and trigger points and commonly causes neck pain, restricted cervical range of motion (ROM), and functional disability. While myofascial release (MFR) and positional release technique (PRT) are widely used, their comparative effectiveness remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of MFR versus PRT combined with conventional exercises on pain, cervical lateral flexion ROM, and neck disability in young adults with unilateral trapezitis. Thirty participants (aged 20-25 years) with unilateral trapezitis were randomly assigned to two groups (n=15 each). Group A received MFR plus conventional treatment (active neck movements, trapezius stretching), while Group B received PRT plus the same conventional treatment. Interventions were delivered 3 days/week for 20 minutes/session over 2 months. Outcomes included Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), goniometric cervical lateral flexion ROM (affected/unaffected sides), and Neck Disability Index (NDI), measured pre- and post-intervention. Both MFR and PRT effectively improved pain, ROM, and disability in unilateral trapezitis. PRT demonstrated greater short-term benefits for pain reduction and functional improvement, suggesting it as the preferred initial intervention when rapid symptomatic relief is prioritized.

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Key information

Conditions

Myofascial Pain Syndromes Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases

Age range

20 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Co-Operative Institute of Health Sciences

Kannur, Kerala, 670105, India

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Subjects diagnosed with trapezitis with trigger point by an orthopedic surgeon,
  • with unilateral upper trapezius tender point,
  • taut band palpable in upper trapezius muscle,
  • excruciating spot tenderness at one point along the length of the taut band of upper trapezius muscle,
  • restriction in cervical lateral flexion when measured, and
  • pain elevated by elongating (stretching) the trapezius muscle

Exclusion criteria

  • Participants with history of cervical spine trauma or fracture,
  • recent surgery on the cervical spine,
  • skin condition around area to be treated,
  • current use of anti-inflammatory medications,
  • brachial nerve pain,
  • deformities of the neck,
  • sensory/perception anomalies close to the treatment area,
  • radiculopathy or myopathy symptoms,
  • degenerative cervical spine condition,
  • with a history of cardiac illness or presence of a pacemaker,
  • epilepsy,
  • psychological disorder, and
  • pregnant women

Treatment and study plan

Myofascial Release Technique

Other

Myofascial release technique is a specialized manual therapy technique used to alleviate chronic pain and restore motion by releasing tension in the fascia.

Positional release technique

Other

The Positional Release Technique is a gentle manual therapy that resolves pain and tissue dysfunction by moving the body into a "position of ease" or comfort.

Primary outcomes

  1. Neck Pain

    Time frame: 8 weeks.

    Pain on the affected side was measured using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale-11 is a widely used 11-point scale for self-reporting pain. The respondent chooses a whole number (0-10) that best reflects the intensity of their pain. The greater the number, the worse is the outcome.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Range of motion

    Time frame: 8 weeks.

    Neck lateral flexion range of motion is the measurement of how far subjects can tilt their head toward the shoulder while looking straight ahead. The greater the range of motion, the better is the outcome.

  2. Functional status

    Time frame: 8 weeks.

    Functional status was measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). It includes 10 items related to pain and functional limitations. A higher score indicates worse outcome.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

King Saud University

Other

Collaborators

  • Co-Operative Institute of Health Sciences

Registry information

Official study title

Effectiveness of Myofascial Release and Positional Release Techniques on Pain, Cervical Range of Motion, and Neck Disability in Patients With Unilateral Trapezitis

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Apr 7, 2026
Registry last updated
Apr 7, 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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