RecruitingNot Applicable

Effects of Different Myofascial Release Techniques on Function in Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain

Cyprus84 participantsStarted 2026-07-14

Plain-language summary

This single-center, three-arm randomized controlled trial compares the effects of different myofascial release techniques, combined with a structured exercise program, on functional outcomes in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain (CNNP). Eligible participants (aged 18 to 45 years, neck pain for at least 3 months, pain intensity VAS at least 3, and myofascial trigger points in the upper-quarter muscles) are allocated by simple randomization into three groups: * Conventional Therapy Group: hot pack, conventional TENS, and a structured exercise program. * Manual Myofascial Release Group: conventional therapy plus therapist-applied manual myofascial release. * Self-Myofascial Release Group: conventional therapy plus supervised self-applied myofascial release using a duo-ball, balls, and a massage stick/cane. All interventions are delivered 3 days per week for 6 weeks. The primary outcome is pain intensity. Secondary outcomes include pressure pain threshold and tolerance, cervical range of motion, muscle stiffness, craniovertebral angle, cervical proprioception, muscle strength and endurance, disability, neck awareness, multidimensional biopsychosocial status, sleep quality, quality of life, and kinesiophobia. The aim is to determine whether manual or self-applied myofascial release, added to exercise, produces greater functional improvement in people with chronic non-specific neck pain.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 45 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: * Neck pain persisting for at least 3 months and diagnosed as chronic non-specific neck pain by a specialist physician * Aged between 18 and 45 years * Perceived pain affecting daily living activities (VAS at least 3) * Presence of myofascial trigger points in the upper-quarter muscles Exclusion Criteria: * Specific serious cervical spine pathology (radiculopathy, myelopathy, severe nerve root compression, spondylosis, and similar) * History of rheumatologic, neurologic, or systemic disease (for example, acute inflammation, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or cancer) * History of trauma, fracture, or surgery involving the neck, shoulder, or upper extremity * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Any diagnosed psychiatric disorder (for example, major depression or anxiety disorder) or regular use of psychopharmacological medication * Use of systemic analgesics, NSAIDs, or muscle relaxants within the last 7 days for pain control * Any physiotherapy, manual therapy, or injection treatment to the neck region within the last 3 months

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

Change in Pain Intensity (Visual Analog Scale, VAS)

Timeframe: Baseline, immediately after the first session, and after the final session (end of week 6)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07694882

SponsorEastern Mediterranean University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-09-06

Contact for this trial

Süleyman Güzelşemme, PT, PhD(c)

+905397892296 suleyman.guzelsemme@gmail.com

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Chronic Neck Pain trials