Active Release Versus Strain-Counter-strain Technique in Patients With Non-Specific Neck Pain

Plain-language summary

The study design will be a randomized clinical trial (RCT) aims to compare the effects of Active Release Technique and Strain-Counterstrain on pain, range of motion, cranio-vertebral angle, and disability in patients with non-specific neck pain. Data will be collected from Safi Teaching Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Using a non-probability purposive sampling method, participants aged 18-45 years with localized cervical pain and stiffness will be selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The inclusion and exclusion criteria will be; Participants aged 18-45, both male and female, experiencing neck pain for at least 2 months, with palpable taut bands in upper trapezius and SCM, active trigger points in upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and SCM, NPRS score \>3/10 for neck region, and localized pain/stiffness in cervical spine (C3-C7) without upper limb radiculopathy, confirmed by negative Spurling's test, upper limb tension test, and shoulder abduction test. Subjects will be excluded if presented with a history of Participants who received myofascial treatment in the preceding month or have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, KNGF Clinical Practice Guideline Grade III or IV, or neurological deficits. Participants will be equally divided into 2 groups using a random number generator table. Group A will receive Active Release Technique, while Group B will receive Strain-Counterstrain. Both groups will also receive hot packs, superficial neck muscles stretching, and neck isometrics. Outcome measures, including the Numerical Pain Rating Scale for pain, goniometer for range of motion, cranio-vertebral angle measurement, Neck Disability Index, will be assessed at baseline and after four weeks. Ethical approval will be obtained from the Ethical Committee of Riphah International University, and informed consent will be secured from all participants. The outcomes will focus on pain intensity, cervical range of motion, cranio-vertebral angle, and disability, Data analysis will be performed using SPSS version 25. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights into the comparative efficacy of these manual therapy techniques, informing clinical practice and improving patient outcomes in the management of non-specific neck pain.

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