Trapezius MyalgiaNCT07063355
Stripping Massage Technique and Post-isometric Relaxation
A study testing Stripping Massage Technique: and Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) in people with Trapezius Myalgia, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This randomized clinical trial investigates the synergistic effects of stripping massage and Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) on pain alleviation, ROM and functional movement improvement in individuals with Trapezius myalgia. A purposive sampling approach will select participants aged 18 and 50 years. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 50 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Trapezius Myalgia
- What is being tested?
- Stripping Massage Technique: and Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR)
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 44 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 24 Jul 2025to 20 Oct 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 18 to 50 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Presenting with neck pain and stiffness
- Experiencing tightness in the upper trapezius muscle
- Having pain at rest, local twitch response or jump sign in upper trapezius
- Patients having functional limitations while performing certain activities of everyday living.
Who cannot join
- Patients with an NPRS score of 3 or less.
- Presence of structural abnormalities like torticollis or scoliosis.
- Presence of skin disease on the back.
- Having undergone upper limb surgery within the past year .
- Participation in another clinical trial.
- Severe psychiatric conditions that would impair participation or compliance
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site
The Perfect Physiotherapy Clinic
Muzaffargarh, Punjab Province, 34200
About this study
Official title: Combined Effects of Stripping Massage Technique and Post Isometric Relaxation on Pain, ROM and Functional Movement in Patients With Trapezius Myalgia
This randomized clinical trial investigates the synergistic effects of stripping massage and Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) on pain alleviation, ROM and functional movement improvement in individuals with Trapezius myalgia. A purposive sampling approach will select participants aged 18 and 50 years. A total of 44 patients will be taken, who will be randomly divided into two equal groups, each containing 22 patients. Group A will receive standard baseline management, supplemented with heating pad, active stretching, isometrics and ischemic compression, while Group B will receive the combined management (stripping massage + PIR) .
Read the detailed description
The study will assess pain intensity using NPRS, ROM using goniometer and neck disability or functional movement of neck using Neck Disability Index (NDI) at baseline and four weeks follow-up. Ethical approval and informed consent will ensure the study's integrity. The primary outcomes will focus on pain reduction and improved neck function, with secondary outcomes including trigger point severity and range of motion. Data analysis will utilize SPSS version 25. This study aims to provide valuable insights into the combined efficacy of stripping massage and PIR, ultimately informing evidence-based practice and enhancing patient outcomes in patients with trapezius myalgia.
- Conditions
- Trapezius Myalgia
- Being tested
- Stripping Massage Technique:, Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR)
- Keywords
- Pain, Range of Motion, Functional Movement
- Medical subject headings
- Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Stripping Massage Technique:Other
- The back of the neck and shoulder were uncovered.
- Controlled and steady pressure was administered using the thumb along the entirety of the tense trapezius muscle, moving from origin to insertion and perpendicular to the muscle fibers, for approximately 3 minutes, twice weekly over a period of 4 weeks.
- The pressure was progressively raised with each subsequent stroke, based on tolerance level.
Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR)Other
- During the PIR intervention, the patients rested in a supine position with their necks tilted to the side, away from the affected side, placing the upper trapezius muscle fibers in a stretched position.
- A moderate isometric contraction, around 75% of the patient's maximum effort, was performed by the upper trapezius and maintained for 5 seconds, followed by a 3-second relaxation phase.
- The therapist then gently mobilized the cervical spine to a new range of motion barrier.
- This sequence was repeated four times per session.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Stripping Massage Technique | Experimental | Stripping Massage Technique:
* The back of the neck and shoulder were uncovered.
* Controlled and steady pressure was administered using the thumb along the entirety of the tense trapezius muscle, moving from origin to insertion and perpendicular to the muscle fibers, for approximately 3 minutes, twice weekly over a period of 4 weeks.
* The pressure was progressively raised with each subsequent stroke, based on tolerance level. Receives: Other: Stripping Massage Technique: |
| Post isometric Relaxation | Experimental | Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR):
* During the PIR intervention, the patients rested in a supine position with their necks tilted to the side, away from the affected side, placing the upper trapezius muscle fibers in a stretched position.
* A moderate isometric contraction, around 75% of the patient's maximum effort, was performed by the upper trapezius and maintained for 5 seconds, followed by a 3-second relaxation phase.
* The therapist then gently mobilized the cervical spine to a new range of motion barrier.
* This sequence was repeated four times per session Receives: Other: Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
NPRS
The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a numeric adaptation of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). In this version, the patient selects a number from 0 to 10 that best represents the intensity of their pain. This 11-point scale ranges from "no pain" to "worst pain imaginable," where 0 indicates no pain and 10 signifies extreme pain.
Measured: 4 weeks
Universal Goniometer
Range of motion (ROM) is a crucial parameter for assessing movement limitations. While clinicians commonly use goniometers to measure ROM, the accuracy of this method largely relies on the clinician's skill and experience.
Measured: 4 weeks
NDI
The NDI (Neck Disability Index) is a condition-specific, patient-completed questionnaire consisting of 10 items designed to evaluate pain and functional status, primarily used for reporting neck pain. Each item on the scale is scored from 0 to 5, with the total score interpreted as a percentage. A score of 0 points (0%) indicates no activity limitation, while a score of 50 points (100%) indicates complete activity limitation. The NDI is a reliable and valid questionnaire for neck pain patients, with interclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.50 to 0.98
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 posted14 Jul 2025
- Study start24 Jul 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion20 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion20 Oct 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (10)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Trapezius MyalgiaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 44 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Muzna Munir, PhD*, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07063355
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/24/0171
- Status last verified
- Jul 2025
- First submitted
- 3 Jul 2025
- Last updated
- 14 Jul 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Aras D, Al-Ihsan IM, Sutono E. The effectivity of trigger point dry needling in improving pain on people with upper trapezius myalgia. Enfermería Clínica. 2020;30:87-91.
Joshi A, Jawade S, Chitale N. Effectiveness of Myofascial Release (MFR) vs. High-Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Pain Relief and Functional Improvement in College Students With Trapezius Myalgia. Cureus. 2022 Oct 4;14(10):e29898. doi: 10.7759/cureus.29898. eCollection 2022 Oct.
PubMed 36348914Supornpun N, Rummaneethorn P, Nararatwanchai T, Saiwichai T, Chaichalotornkul S. Incobotulinum Toxin A with a One-year Long-lasting Effect for Trapezius Contouring and Superior Efficacy for the Treatment of Trapezius Myalgia. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2022 Apr-Jun;15(2):168-174. doi: 10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_68_21.
PubMed 35965898SAMIR SM, AMANY M, ABDELRAHMAN AC, SALWA FA. Effect of Passive Stretching Exercises Versus Post Isometric Relaxation Technique on Pain Intensity in Quadratus Lumborum Trigger Points on Lower Back Myofascial Pain Syndrome. The Medical Journal of Cairo University. 2024;91(12):1519-23.
Elagamawy MI, Elsayed WH, Zahran MR. Effect of Muscle Energy Technique versus Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points. Egyptian Journal of Physical Therapy. 2023;16(1):7-16.
Albaker AB. Ischemic pressure vs. post-isometric relaxation for treatment of rhomboid latent myofascial trigger point: a systemic review. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2023 Jun;27(11):5031-5038. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202306_32620.
PubMed 37318477El-Hafez HM, Hamdy HA, Takla MK, Ahmed SEB, Genedy AF, Abd El-Azeim ASS. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation versus stripping massage for upper trapezius myofascial trigger points. J Taibah Univ Med Sci. 2020 Mar 6;15(2):87-93. doi: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2020.01.006. eCollection 2020 Apr.
PubMed 32368203Junaid M, Yaqoob I, Shakil Ur Rehman S, Ghous M. Effects of post-isometric relaxation, myofascial trigger point release and routine physical therapy in management of acute mechanical neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. J Pak Med Assoc. 2020 Oct;70(10):1688-1692. doi: 10.5455/JPMA.15939.
PubMed 33159734Ghulam HS, Alqhtani RS, Alshahrani A, Ahmed H, Khan AR, Khan A. Efficacy of cervical mobilization with post-isometric relaxation in managing mechanical neck pain, ROM, and functional limitations associated with myofascial trigger points. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Dec 29;102(52):e36710. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036710.
PubMed 38206736Fahmy EM, Ibrahim AR, Elabd AM. Ischemic Pressure vs Postisometric Relaxation for Treatment of Rhomboid Latent Myofascial Trigger Points: A Randomized, Blinded Clinical Trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2021 Feb;44(2):103-112. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2020.07.005.
PubMed 33715788
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 14 Jul 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Combined Effects of Stripping Massage Technique and Post Isometric Relaxation on Pain, ROM and Functional Movement in Patients With Trapezius Myalgia
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07063355
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/24/0171
- Conditions
- Trapezius Myalgia
- Keywords
- Pain, Range of Motion, Functional Movement
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 44 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 24 Jul 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 20 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 20 Oct 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 14 Jul 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.
This randomized clinical trial investigates the synergistic effects of stripping massage and Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) on pain alleviation, ROM and functional movement improvement in individuals with Trapezius myalgia. A purposive sampling approach will select participants aged 18 and 50 years. A total of 44 patients will be taken, who will be randomly divided into two equal groups, each containing 22 patients. Group A will receive standard baseline management, supplemented with heating pad, active stretching, isometrics and ischemic compression, while Group B will receive the combined management (stripping massage + PIR) .
Detailed description
The study will assess pain intensity using NPRS, ROM using goniometer and neck disability or functional movement of neck using Neck Disability Index (NDI) at baseline and four weeks follow-up. Ethical approval and informed consent will ensure the study's integrity. The primary outcomes will focus on pain reduction and improved neck function, with secondary outcomes including trigger point severity and range of motion. Data analysis will utilize SPSS version 25. This study aims to provide valuable insights into the combined efficacy of stripping massage and PIR, ultimately informing evidence-based practice and enhancing patient outcomes in patients with trapezius myalgia.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Stripping Massage Technique | Experimental | Other: Stripping Massage Technique:Stripping Massage Technique: * The back of the neck and shoulder were uncovered. * Controlled and steady pressure was administered using the thumb along the entirety of the tense trapezius muscle, moving from origin to insertion and perpendicular to the muscle fibers, for approximately 3 minutes, twice weekly over a period of 4 weeks. * The pressure was progressively raised with each subsequent stroke, based on tolerance level. |
| Post isometric Relaxation | Experimental | Other: Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR)Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR): * During the PIR intervention, the patients rested in a supine position with their necks tilted to the side, away from the affected side, placing the upper trapezius muscle fibers in a stretched position. * A moderate isometric contraction, around 75% of the patient's maximum effort, was performed by the upper trapezius and maintained for 5 seconds, followed by a 3-second relaxation phase. * The therapist then gently mobilized the cervical spine to a new range of motion barrier. * This sequence was repeated four times per session |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Presenting with neck pain and stiffness
- Experiencing tightness in the upper trapezius muscle
- Having pain at rest, local twitch response or jump sign in upper trapezius
- Patients having functional limitations while performing certain activities of everyday living.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Patients with an NPRS score of 3 or less.
- Presence of structural abnormalities like torticollis or scoliosis.
- Presence of skin disease on the back.
- Having undergone upper limb surgery within the past year .
- Participation in another clinical trial.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Stripping Massage Technique:* The back of the neck and shoulder were uncovered. * Controlled and steady pressure was administered using the thumb along the entirety of the tense trapezius muscle, moving from origin to insertion and perpendicular to the muscle fibers, for approximately 3 minutes, twice weekly over a period of 4 weeks. * The pressure was progressively raised with each subsequent stroke, based on tolerance level. | Other | Stripping Massage Technique |
| Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR)* During the PIR intervention, the patients rested in a supine position with their necks tilted to the side, away from the affected side, placing the upper trapezius muscle fibers in a stretched position. * A moderate isometric contraction, around 75% of the patient's maximum effort, was performed by the upper trapezius and maintained for 5 seconds, followed by a 3-second relaxation phase. * The therapist then gently mobilized the cervical spine to a new range of motion barrier. * This sequence was repeated four times per session. | Other | Post isometric Relaxation |
Primary outcome
NPRS
Time frame: 4 weeks
The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a numeric adaptation of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). In this version, the patient selects a number from 0 to 10 that best represents the intensity of their pain. This 11-point scale ranges from "no pain" to "worst pain imaginable," where 0 indicates no pain and 10 signifies extreme pain.
Universal Goniometer
Time frame: 4 weeks
Range of motion (ROM) is a crucial parameter for assessing movement limitations. While clinicians commonly use goniometers to measure ROM, the accuracy of this method largely relies on the clinician's skill and experience.
NDI
Time frame: 4 Weeks
The NDI (Neck Disability Index) is a condition-specific, patient-completed questionnaire consisting of 10 items designed to evaluate pain and functional status, primarily used for reporting neck pain. Each item on the scale is scored from 0 to 5, with the total score interpreted as a percentage. A score of 0 points (0%) indicates no activity limitation, while a score of 50 points (100%) indicates complete activity limitation. The NDI is a reliable and valid questionnaire for neck pain patients, with interclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.50 to 0.98
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 14 Jul 2025.
- BackgroundAras D, Al-Ihsan IM, Sutono E. The effectivity of trigger point dry needling in improving pain on people with upper trapezius myalgia. Enfermería Clínica. 2020;30:87-91.
- Background: PubMed 36348914Joshi A, Jawade S, Chitale N. Effectiveness of Myofascial Release (MFR) vs. High-Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for Pain Relief and Functional Improvement in College Students With Trapezius Myalgia. Cureus. 2022 Oct 4;14(10):e29898. doi: 10.7759/cureus.29898. eCollection 2022 Oct.
- Background: PubMed 35965898Supornpun N, Rummaneethorn P, Nararatwanchai T, Saiwichai T, Chaichalotornkul S. Incobotulinum Toxin A with a One-year Long-lasting Effect for Trapezius Contouring and Superior Efficacy for the Treatment of Trapezius Myalgia. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2022 Apr-Jun;15(2):168-174. doi: 10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_68_21.
- BackgroundSAMIR SM, AMANY M, ABDELRAHMAN AC, SALWA FA. Effect of Passive Stretching Exercises Versus Post Isometric Relaxation Technique on Pain Intensity in Quadratus Lumborum Trigger Points on Lower Back Myofascial Pain Syndrome. The Medical Journal of Cairo University. 2024;91(12):1519-23.
- BackgroundElagamawy MI, Elsayed WH, Zahran MR. Effect of Muscle Energy Technique versus Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization in Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points. Egyptian Journal of Physical Therapy. 2023;16(1):7-16.
- Background: PubMed 37318477Albaker AB. Ischemic pressure vs. post-isometric relaxation for treatment of rhomboid latent myofascial trigger point: a systemic review. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2023 Jun;27(11):5031-5038. doi: 10.26355/eurrev_202306_32620.
- Background: PubMed 32368203El-Hafez HM, Hamdy HA, Takla MK, Ahmed SEB, Genedy AF, Abd El-Azeim ASS. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation versus stripping massage for upper trapezius myofascial trigger points. J Taibah Univ Med Sci. 2020 Mar 6;15(2):87-93. doi: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2020.01.006. eCollection 2020 Apr.
- Background: PubMed 33159734Junaid M, Yaqoob I, Shakil Ur Rehman S, Ghous M. Effects of post-isometric relaxation, myofascial trigger point release and routine physical therapy in management of acute mechanical neck pain: a randomized controlled trial. J Pak Med Assoc. 2020 Oct;70(10):1688-1692. doi: 10.5455/JPMA.15939.
- Background: PubMed 38206736Ghulam HS, Alqhtani RS, Alshahrani A, Ahmed H, Khan AR, Khan A. Efficacy of cervical mobilization with post-isometric relaxation in managing mechanical neck pain, ROM, and functional limitations associated with myofascial trigger points. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Dec 29;102(52):e36710. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036710.
- Background: PubMed 33715788Fahmy EM, Ibrahim AR, Elabd AM. Ischemic Pressure vs Postisometric Relaxation for Treatment of Rhomboid Latent Myofascial Trigger Points: A Randomized, Blinded Clinical Trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2021 Feb;44(2):103-112. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2020.07.005.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Muzna Munir, PhD* 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 Stripping Massage Technique: and Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) in people with Trapezius Myalgia, 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 4 inclusion and 6 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 Jul 2025. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Ayesha Mashal, MS student (03057346060, ayeshamashal200@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
NPRS (time frame: 4 weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07063355, which also lists 10 linked publications.
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 14 Jul 2025.