Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Not Yet Recruiting

NCT Number: NCT07063355

Stripping Massage Technique and Post-isometric Relaxation

This randomized clinical trial investigates the synergistic effects of stripping massage and Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) on pain alleviation, ROM and functional movement improvement in individuals with Trapezius myalgia. A purposive sampling approach will select participants aged 18 and 50 years. A total of 44 patients will be taken, who will be randomly divided into two equal groups, each containing 22 patients. Group A will receive standard baseline management, supplemented with heating pad, active stretching, isometrics and ischemic compression, while Group B will receive the combined management (stripping massage + PIR) .

Not Yet Recruiting

Trial opening soon.

Get Notified

Key information

Conditions

Trapezius Myalgia Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

The Perfect Physiotherapy Clinic

Muzaffargarh, Punjab Province, 34200, Pakistan

About this study

The study will assess pain intensity using NPRS, ROM using goniometer and neck disability or functional movement of neck using Neck Disability Index (NDI) at baseline and four weeks follow-up. Ethical approval and informed consent will ensure the study's integrity. The primary outcomes will focus on pain reduction and improved neck function, with secondary outcomes including trigger point severity and range of motion. Data analysis will utilize SPSS version 25. This study aims to provide valuable insights into the combined efficacy of stripping massage and PIR, ultimately informing evidence-based practice and enhancing patient outcomes in patients with trapezius myalgia.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Presenting with neck pain and stiffness
  • Experiencing tightness in the upper trapezius muscle
  • Having pain at rest, local twitch response or jump sign in upper trapezius
  • Patients having functional limitations while performing certain activities of everyday living.

Exclusion criteria

  • Patients with an NPRS score of 3 or less.
  • Presence of structural abnormalities like torticollis or scoliosis.
  • Presence of skin disease on the back.
  • Having undergone upper limb surgery within the past year .
  • Participation in another clinical trial.
  • Severe psychiatric conditions that would impair participation or compliance

Treatment and study plan

Stripping Massage Technique:

Other
  • The back of the neck and shoulder were uncovered.
  • Controlled and steady pressure was administered using the thumb along the entirety of the tense trapezius muscle, moving from origin to insertion and perpendicular to the muscle fibers, for approximately 3 minutes, twice weekly over a period of 4 weeks.
  • The pressure was progressively raised with each subsequent stroke, based on tolerance level.

Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR)

Other
  • During the PIR intervention, the patients rested in a supine position with their necks tilted to the side, away from the affected side, placing the upper trapezius muscle fibers in a stretched position.
  • A moderate isometric contraction, around 75% of the patient's maximum effort, was performed by the upper trapezius and maintained for 5 seconds, followed by a 3-second relaxation phase.
  • The therapist then gently mobilized the cervical spine to a new range of motion barrier.
  • This sequence was repeated four times per session.

Primary outcomes

  1. NPRS

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a numeric adaptation of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). In this version, the patient selects a number from 0 to 10 that best represents the intensity of their pain. This 11-point scale ranges from "no pain" to "worst pain imaginable," where 0 indicates no pain and 10 signifies extreme pain.

  2. Universal Goniometer

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    Range of motion (ROM) is a crucial parameter for assessing movement limitations. While clinicians commonly use goniometers to measure ROM, the accuracy of this method largely relies on the clinician's skill and experience.

  3. NDI

    Time frame: 4 Weeks

    The NDI (Neck Disability Index) is a condition-specific, patient-completed questionnaire consisting of 10 items designed to evaluate pain and functional status, primarily used for reporting neck pain. Each item on the scale is scored from 0 to 5, with the total score interpreted as a percentage. A score of 0 points (0%) indicates no activity limitation, while a score of 50 points (100%) indicates complete activity limitation. The NDI is a reliable and valid questionnaire for neck pain patients, with interclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.50 to 0.98

Study contacts

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

Ayesha Mashal, MS student

CONTACT

[email protected]

03057346060

Muzna Munir, PhD Scholar

CONTACT

[email protected]

03344265125

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Combined Effects of Stripping Massage Technique and Post Isometric Relaxation on Pain, ROM and Functional Movement in Patients With Trapezius Myalgia

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jul 14, 2025
Registry last updated
Jul 14, 2025

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.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.