Trigger Point Pain, MyofascialNCT06986707
Strain Counterstrain Technique and Graston Technqiue on Quadratus Lumborum Trigger Points
A study testing Strain counterstrain technique and Graston technique in people with Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Poor body mechanics and posture affects body positioning and stresses quadratus lumborum muscle which ultimately leads to myofascial trigger points in muscle. This study aims to compare the effects of Strain counterstrain technique and Graston technique on trigger points of quadratus lumborum in nonspecific low back… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 to 45 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial
- What is being tested?
- Strain counterstrain technique and Graston technique
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 34 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 12 Jun 2025to 1 Dec 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 to 45 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Participant's age range 20-45 years
- Both genders.
- Individuals having low back pain for atleast 12 weeks with limited segmental mobility especially after maintaining certain prolonged posture .
- Individuals with localized pain and tenderness at attachments of quadratus lumborum due to the presence of trigger points (unilateral or bilateral).
- positive segmental mobility assessment at the level of L4 and L5 on one side or on both sides
- Patients having moderate pain on NPRS
Who cannot join
- Individuals with anticoagulation or bleeding disorders, acute muscle trauma, infections, lumbar disc herniation, spinal deformities, or a history of spinal surgery or anticoagulation medication
- Orthopedic surgery or any other low back surgery .
- Fracture of vertebrae and any lower limb injury
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Strain Counterstrain Technique and Graston Technique on Trigger Points of Quadratus Lumborum Among Patients With Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Poor body mechanics and posture affects body positioning and stresses quadratus lumborum muscle which ultimately leads to myofascial trigger points in muscle. This study aims to compare the effects of Strain counterstrain technique and Graston technique on trigger points of quadratus lumborum in nonspecific low back patients. This study will be a randomized controlled trial and will be conducted in Riphah Rehabilitation Clinic Lahore and SPARC Physiotherapy Clinic Lahore. Non-probability convenient sampling will be used to collect the data. Sample size of 34 subjects with age group between 20-45 years will be taken. baseline and after 4 weeks. Data analysis will be done by SPSS version 25.
Read the detailed description
Researches have been conducted about effect of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization versus kinesiotape for chronic mechanical low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Introduction. The objective was to compare the effect of conventional program, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and kinesiotape (KT) in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain (CMLBP). 51 participants were randomly enrolled into three equal groups. Group A (n = 17) received conventional program, Group B (n = 17) received conventional program plus IASTM, and Group C (n = 17) received conventional program plus KT. The participants were evaluated before and after eight sessions using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), pressure algometer, dual inclinometer, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). It was concluded that Conventional program, IASTM and KT are effective methods for improving pain, ROM and function on CMLBP..Low back pain especially which is not related to any specific disease has become very common nowadays. Almost every other person complains about back pain. While there have been numerous studies on low back pain and its treatments but limited work has done on both techniques, the strain counterstrain technique and Graston technique. This study aims to determine the comparison of strain counterstrain technique and Graston technique on trigger points of quadratus lumborum among patients with non-specific low back pain
- Conditions
- Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial
- Being tested
- Strain counterstrain technique, Graston technique
- Keywords
- low back pain, quadratus lumborum
- Medical subject headings
- Myofascial Pain Syndromes, Low Back Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Strain counterstrain techniqueOther
Group A: Conventional treatment will be given for 45 minutes (repeated 2 sets in each session)
- 1 day per week
- 4 weeks protocol
Graston techniqueOther
GROUP B: Conventional treatment will be given for 45 minutes Before starting procedure, brisk walking or stretching is done for 4- 5 minutes
- Applying heat for 3-4 minutes to warm the area
- 40 seconds on right side
- 40 seconds on left side
- 1 day per week
- 4 weeks protocol After treatment, apply Ice for 2 minutes
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| strain counterstrain technique | Experimental | Strain Counter-Strain Technique:
(repeated 2 sets in each session)
* 1 day per week
* 4 weeks protocol Receives: Other: Strain counterstrain technique |
| Graston technique | Active comparator | Before starting procedure, brisk walking or stretching is done for 4- 5 minutes
* Applying heat for 3-4 minutes to warm the area
* 40 seconds on right side
* 40 seconds on left side Receives: Other: Graston technique |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Oswestry Disability Index
The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) a patient-completed questionnaire which gives a subjective percentage score of level of function (disability) in activities of daily living in those rehabilitating from low back pain. This is a 10-item index: 8 of them are related to activities of daily living and 2 refer to pain. The score of each item ranges from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater disability. The total score is expressed as percentage
Measured: 4 weeks
Secondary outcomes (2)
Inclinometer
An inclinometer will be placed on the T12-L1 and L5-S1 spinal interspaces and zeroed with the patient in neutral standing position. The examiner asked the patient to bend forward maximally and then recorded the motion. Lumbar flexion will be represented by the difference in motion between the upper and lower inclinometers (12).
Measured: 4 weeks
Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS):
Patient level of pain will be assessed using this scale. This scale ranges from 0 to 10. 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "worst pain"
Measured: 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 May 2025
- Study start12 Jun 2025
- Primary completion1 Sep 2025
- Study completion1 Dec 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Trigger Point Pain, MyofascialStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Hira Shaukat, TDPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06986707
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR&AHS/24/0157
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 15 May 2025
- Last updated
- 28 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Strain Counterstrain Technique and Graston Technique on Trigger Points of Quadratus Lumborum Among Patients With Nonspecific Low Back Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06986707
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR&AHS/24/0157
- Conditions
- Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial
- Keywords
- low back pain, quadratus lumborum
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 12 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Dec 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 23 May 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Poor body mechanics and posture affects body positioning and stresses quadratus lumborum muscle which ultimately leads to myofascial trigger points in muscle. This study aims to compare the effects of Strain counterstrain technique and Graston technique on trigger points of quadratus lumborum in nonspecific low back patients. This study will be a randomized controlled trial and will be conducted in Riphah Rehabilitation Clinic Lahore and SPARC Physiotherapy Clinic Lahore. Non-probability convenient sampling will be used to collect the data. Sample size of 34 subjects with age group between 20-45 years will be taken. baseline and after 4 weeks. Data analysis will be done by SPSS version 25.
Detailed description
Researches have been conducted about effect of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization versus kinesiotape for chronic mechanical low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Introduction. The objective was to compare the effect of conventional program, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and kinesiotape (KT) in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain (CMLBP). 51 participants were randomly enrolled into three equal groups. Group A (n = 17) received conventional program, Group B (n = 17) received conventional program plus IASTM, and Group C (n = 17) received conventional program plus KT. The participants were evaluated before and after eight sessions using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), pressure algometer, dual inclinometer, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). It was concluded that Conventional program, IASTM and KT are effective methods for improving pain, ROM and function on CMLBP..Low back pain especially which is not related to any specific disease has become very common nowadays. Almost every other person complains about back pain. While there have been numerous studies on low back pain and its treatments but limited work has done on both techniques, the strain counterstrain technique and Graston technique. This study aims to determine the comparison of strain counterstrain technique and Graston technique on trigger points of quadratus lumborum among patients with non-specific low back pain
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| strain counterstrain technique | Experimental | Other: Strain counterstrain techniqueStrain Counter-Strain Technique: (repeated 2 sets in each session) * 1 day per week * 4 weeks protocol |
| Graston technique | Active comparator | Other: Graston techniqueBefore starting procedure, brisk walking or stretching is done for 4- 5 minutes * Applying heat for 3-4 minutes to warm the area * 40 seconds on right side * 40 seconds on left side |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Participant's age range 20-45 years
- Both genders.
- Individuals having low back pain for atleast 12 weeks with limited segmental mobility especially after maintaining certain prolonged posture .
- Individuals with localized pain and tenderness at attachments of quadratus lumborum due to the presence of trigger points (unilateral or bilateral).
- positive segmental mobility assessment at the level of L4 and L5 on one side or on both sides
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Individuals with anticoagulation or bleeding disorders, acute muscle trauma, infections, lumbar disc herniation, spinal deformities, or a history of spinal surgery or anticoagulation medication
- Orthopedic surgery or any other low back surgery .
- Fracture of vertebrae and any lower limb injury
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Strain counterstrain techniqueGroup A: Conventional treatment will be given for 45 minutes (repeated 2 sets in each session) * 1 day per week * 4 weeks protocol | Other | strain counterstrain technique |
| Graston techniqueGROUP B: Conventional treatment will be given for 45 minutes Before starting procedure, brisk walking or stretching is done for 4- 5 minutes * Applying heat for 3-4 minutes to warm the area * 40 seconds on right side * 40 seconds on left side * 1 day per week * 4 weeks protocol After treatment, apply Ice for 2 minutes | Other | Graston technique |
Primary outcome
Oswestry Disability Index
Time frame: 4 weeks
The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) a patient-completed questionnaire which gives a subjective percentage score of level of function (disability) in activities of daily living in those rehabilitating from low back pain. This is a 10-item index: 8 of them are related to activities of daily living and 2 refer to pain. The score of each item ranges from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater disability. The total score is expressed as percentage
2 secondary outcomes
Inclinometer
Time frame: 4 weeks
Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS):
Time frame: 4 weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 28 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Comparing Myofascial Exercise and Trigger Point Therapy for Non-Specific Low Back Pain
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Evaluation of the Effect of Adding Sodium Bicarbonate to Lidocaine in the Treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Hira Shaukat, TDPT principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Strain counterstrain technique and Graston technique in people with Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Oswestry Disability Index (time frame: 4 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Sep 2026.