Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Active, Not Recruiting

NCT Number: NCT07037147

To Compare the Efficacy of Instrument Assisted STM vs BT in Alleviating Pain and Tightness of Trapezius Muscle

Trapezius muscle pain and tightness are common musculoskeletal issues that can significantly impair movement and quality of life. Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Bowen Therapy are gaining attention as non-invasive treatments for myofascial pain and tension.

Active, Not Recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Trapezius Muscle Strain

Age range

18 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Fatima Memorial Hospital

Lahore, Pakistan

About this study

It will be single blinded randomized clinical trial (RCT). The study will be conducted on 26 participants which will be categorized into two groups. Group one will be given IASTM and group two will receive Bowen technique. Non-probability convenience sampling technique will be used for data collection at physiotherapy department at Fatima memorial hospital followed by lottery method of allocation of groups. Data will be collected by using visual analogue scale, goniometer and neck disability index.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Age from 18 to 50 years
  • Both gender
  • Bilateral trapezius muscle tightness assessed by palpation.
  • Subject with the presence of myofacial trigger points in upper trapezius muscle assessed on palpation.
  • Patient with symptoms for the past two weeks.
  • People with pain of neck due to tight muscle more than 3 on VAS.

Exclusion criteria

  • Participant with any fracture of cervical spine or surgery within the 6 month timespan.
  • Participant with radiating neck pain towards the upper extremity.
  • People with other conditions like disc prolapse, spondylolisthesis, tb of spine etc.
  • People with any instrument assistance soft tissue mobilisation technique contraindication.
  • People with whiplash injury history.
  • Participant who has been diagnosed with myopathy or fibromyalgia.
  • Pregnant females who has already gone under myofacial therapy within the past month.

Treatment and study plan

instrument assistance soft tissue mobilisation

Combination Product

In this group instrument assistance soft tissue mobilisation will be given followed by conventional therapy. IASTM will be given by using IASTM tool M2T blade. In this process patient will be asked to sit in a chair by resting its forearm in front of the table.

Bowen technique

Combination Product

In this group Bowen technique will be given after the basic conventional therapy. For this technique patient will be asked to lie in a prone position where the neck of the patient will be supported with the help of a small pillow. Therapist thumb will be placed on the affected side of the muscle.

Primary outcomes

  1. Visual Analogue Scale

    Time frame: 6 Months

    Visual analogue scale is known pain assessment scale which was introduced by Hayes and Patterson in 1921. Its scoring range is from 0 to 10 where 0 shows no pain, 5 shows moderate pain and 10 shows worst pain.

  2. Neck Disability Index

    Time frame: 6 Months

    Neck pain disability index is used for the disability of the neck or the impact of neck pain on a person. This 10 item questionnaire is used to assess the patient overall quality of life as well as the personal ability to perform activities of daily living.

  3. Neck Disability Index

    Time frame: 6 months

    Neck disability index is used for the disability of the neck or the impact of neck pain on a person. This 10 item questionnaire is used to assess the patient overall quality of life as well as the personal ability to perform activities of daily living.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Superior University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

To Compare the Efficacy of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization vs Bowen Therapy in Alleviating Pain and Tightness of Trapezius Muscle

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jun 25, 2025
Registry last updated
Jun 25, 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.