CompletedNot Applicable

Myofascial Release and Positional Release Techniques in Unilateral Trapezitis

India30 participantsStarted 2023-09-05

Plain-language summary

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.

Who can participate

Age range

20 Years – 25 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

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

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Neck Pain

Timeframe: 8 weeks.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07515352

SponsorKing Saud University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-03-14

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Myofascial Pain Syndromes trials