Myofascial ReleaseNCT07130747
Effect of Myofascial Release Versus Deep Friction Massage on Abdominal Recovery and Scar After Cesarean Section
A study testing Myofascial release, Deep friction massage and Routine daily scar care advices in people with Myofascial Release and Deep Friction Massage, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial summary
This study was done to compare the effect of myofascial release versus deep friction massage on abdominal recovery and scar after cesarean section. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 30 to 45 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Myofascial Release, Deep Friction Massage, Cesarean Section Complications
- What is being tested?
- Myofascial release, Deep friction massage and Routine daily scar care advices
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 1 Jun 2025to 1 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 30 to 45 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- All postpartum women >6 months postnatal having a post-Cesarean-section scar.
- Postpartum women with a well-healed cesarean section scar resulted in chronic pain in the scar, pelvis, or abdomen.
- Their ages will range from 30 to 45 years.
- Their body mass index (BMI) is less than 30 kg/m².
Who cannot join
- Pregnant women or planning for pregnancy.
- Postpartum women with abdominal infectious diseases.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Previous spinal surgery.
- History of skeletal deformity.
- Participation in any other exercise training program during this study.
Show all 11Show fewer
- Malignant condition
- History of acute infection
- Neurological problem
- Mental problem to prevent evaluation and cooperation
- Having uncontrolled metabolic diseases like diabetes and thyroid disease
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Egypt1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
the Gynecology and Obstetrics Outpatient clinics, Alexandria University Hospitals, Alexandria, Egypt
Alexandria
Moaz Khaled Elsayed mohamed, physical therapist, +201068923232, moazkhaled437@gmail.com
About this study
This study was done to compare the effect of myofascial release versus deep friction massage on abdominal recovery and scar after cesarean section.
Read the detailed description
Chronic post-C-section scar pain and discomfort affect up to 20% of women who undergo cesarean sections. This pain can lead to physical, aesthetic, psychological, and social consequences, including itching, stiffness, scar contractures, and tenderness. The myofascial release technique, a manual approach, may facilitate the healing process. Deep friction massage, used to correct structural alterations, can cause reduced mobility and viscoelasticity, potentially affecting sensory receptors and nerve fibers. This study aims to provide physiotherapists with scientific information on the effect of myofascial release on scar and abdominal recovery after cesarean section.
- Being tested
- Myofascial release, Deep friction massage, Routine daily scar care advices
- Medical subject headings
- Cicatrix
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Myofascial releaseOther
The study involves women in both groups receiving myofascial release technique for twenty minutes three times per week for eight weeks. The technique requires the patient's skin to be dry and not oily, and all techniques must be applied at the barrier of tissue resistance. The technique involves gentle, sustained pressure held at the barrier for at least five minutes to allow the patient to respond to the treatment and relax. The technique involves skin stretching and desensitization around the scar, using up and down, side-to-side, and circular maneuvers.
Deep friction massageOther
Women in both groups (C) will receive a deep friction massage three times a week for eight weeks, applying a fingertip pad perpendicularly to post-cesarean scar tissue, moving across the band and back-and-forth motion along the scar tissue's length.
Routine daily scar care advicesOther
Each woman in all groups (A, B, and C) will receive full instructions for daily post-cesarean-section scar care. Weekly revision for post-cesarean-section scar care will conduct by the researcher
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| home advices | Active comparator | It consisted of 12 postpartum women having a post-Cesarean-section scar. They will receive no treatment program, only advices for home care Receives: Other: Routine daily scar care advices |
| myofascial release technique | Experimental | It consisted of 12 postpartum women having a post-Cesarean-section scar. They will receive myofascial release technique for 20 minutes three times per week for eight weeks, in addition to advices for home care Receives: Other: Myofascial release; Other: Routine daily scar care advices |
| deep friction massage | Experimental | It consisted of 12 postpartum women having a post-Cesarean-section scar. They will receive deep friction massage for 20 minutes three times per week for eight weeks, in addition to advices for home care. Receives: Other: Deep friction massage; Other: Routine daily scar care advices |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
assessment of pain intensity
Participants will use a visual analogue scale to assess waist pain intensity before and after treatment for all groups, rating severity from zero to 10. This reliable and time-efficient method is suitable for assessing pain levels post-c Cesarean scar site.
Measured: at baseline and after 8 weeks
Secondary outcomes (4)
Assessment of post-Cesarean-section scar recovery
The modified Vancouver scale will be used to assess post-Cesarean section scar tissue, focusing on vascularity, pigmentation, pliability, and height. The scale will be tested using four characteristics of the scar: vascularity, height, pliability, and pigmentation. The overall score between 0 and 13 is calculated by adding up the scores of each characteristic. The modified scale will be evaluated through multiple photographs of the patient's scar, evaluating four parameters: irregularity of texture, height, pigmentation, and vascularity. Modifications may be suggested to improve reliability and teaching, but it is not yet a validated tool.
Measured: at baseline and after 8 weeks
Assessment of pressure pain threshold
A pressure algometer is a reliable device used to assess pressure pain threshold and deep tenderness in post-Cesarean scar tissue. It consists of a gauge attached to a rubber tip and calibrated in kg/cm², with a range of 1-10 kg/cm². The algometer has a probe, handheld and analogue pieces, and measures accurately to 0.1 kg/cm². Participants are instructed to relax in a comfortable supine position, and the pressure is increased by one kilogram per second until discomfort is felt. The mean pressure value is recorded as the pressure pain threshold at the post-Cesarean scar.
Measured: at baseline and after 8 weeks
Assessment of abdominal recovery
The study will conduct an abdominal endurance test for all participants pre- and post-treatment. Participants will lie with a 70° wooden support, and the researcher will measure their endurance and functional ability. If they cannot sustain their position, they will be recorded as having poor endurance and functional ability, while those who can sustain their position for 15-30 seconds will be classified as having perfect endurance and functional ability.
Measured: at baseline and after 8 weeks
Assessment of abdominal musculatures strength
The study will conduct a manual muscle test on all participants pre- and post-treatment, assessing abdominal musculature strength using Dr. Lovett's manual muscle test scale. The rectus abdominus muscle will be examined by lifting the participant to the lower end of the scapulae, leaning forward with crossed hands, and repeating this motion. The test will be recorded on a 0-5-point scale.
Measured: at baseline and after 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted19 Aug 2025
- Study start1 Jun 2025
- Primary completion1 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Oct 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Myofascial ReleaseStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Cairo 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
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Moaz khaled elsayed mohamed rousha, Cairo University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07130747
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Moaz_Msc
- Status last verified
- Aug 2025
- First submitted
- 9 Aug 2025
- Last updated
- 19 Aug 2025
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 19 Aug 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Myofascial Release Versus Deep Friction Massage on Abdominal Recovery and Scar After Cesarean Section
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07130747
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Moaz_Msc
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Sep 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Oct 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 19 Aug 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 study was done to compare the effect of myofascial release versus deep friction massage on abdominal recovery and scar after cesarean section.
Detailed description
Chronic post-C-section scar pain and discomfort affect up to 20% of women who undergo cesarean sections. This pain can lead to physical, aesthetic, psychological, and social consequences, including itching, stiffness, scar contractures, and tenderness. The myofascial release technique, a manual approach, may facilitate the healing process. Deep friction massage, used to correct structural alterations, can cause reduced mobility and viscoelasticity, potentially affecting sensory receptors and nerve fibers. This study aims to provide physiotherapists with scientific information on the effect of myofascial release on scar and abdominal recovery after cesarean section.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| home advices | Active comparator | Other: Routine daily scar care advicesIt consisted of 12 postpartum women having a post-Cesarean-section scar. They will receive no treatment program, only advices for home care |
| myofascial release technique | Experimental | Other: Myofascial release, Other: Routine daily scar care advicesIt consisted of 12 postpartum women having a post-Cesarean-section scar. They will receive myofascial release technique for 20 minutes three times per week for eight weeks, in addition to advices for home care |
| deep friction massage | Experimental | Other: Deep friction massage, Other: Routine daily scar care advicesIt consisted of 12 postpartum women having a post-Cesarean-section scar. They will receive deep friction massage for 20 minutes three times per week for eight weeks, in addition to advices for home care. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 30 to 45 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- All postpartum women >6 months postnatal having a post-Cesarean-section scar.
- Postpartum women with a well-healed cesarean section scar resulted in chronic pain in the scar, pelvis, or abdomen.
- Their ages will range from 30 to 45 years.
- Their body mass index (BMI) is less than 30 kg/m².
Key exclusion criteria (11 listed)
- Pregnant women or planning for pregnancy.
- Postpartum women with abdominal infectious diseases.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Previous spinal surgery.
- History of skeletal deformity.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Myofascial releaseThe study involves women in both groups receiving myofascial release technique for twenty minutes three times per week for eight weeks. The technique requires the patient's skin to be dry and not oily, and all techniques must be applied at the barrier of tissue resistance. The technique involves gentle, sustained pressure held at the barrier for at least five minutes to allow the patient to respond to the treatment and relax. The technique involves skin stretching and desensitization around the scar, using up and down, side-to-side, and circular maneuvers. | Other | myofascial release technique |
| Deep friction massageWomen in both groups (C) will receive a deep friction massage three times a week for eight weeks, applying a fingertip pad perpendicularly to post-cesarean scar tissue, moving across the band and back-and-forth motion along the scar tissue's length. | Other | deep friction massage |
| Routine daily scar care advicesEach woman in all groups (A, B, and C) will receive full instructions for daily post-cesarean-section scar care. Weekly revision for post-cesarean-section scar care will conduct by the researcher | Other | deep friction massage, home advices, myofascial release technique |
Primary outcome
assessment of pain intensity
Time frame: at baseline and after 8 weeks
Participants will use a visual analogue scale to assess waist pain intensity before and after treatment for all groups, rating severity from zero to 10. This reliable and time-efficient method is suitable for assessing pain levels post-c Cesarean scar site.
4 secondary outcomes
Assessment of post-Cesarean-section scar recovery
Time frame: at baseline and after 8 weeks
Assessment of pressure pain threshold
Time frame: at baseline and after 8 weeks
Assessment of abdominal recovery
Time frame: at baseline and after 8 weeks
Assessment of abdominal musculatures strength
Time frame: at baseline and after 8 weeks
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 19 Aug 2025.
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Myofascial release, Deep friction massage and Routine daily scar care advices in people with Myofascial Release and Deep Friction Massage, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Egypt.
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 11 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 19 Aug 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 Egypt. 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 Moaz Khaled Elsayed Mohamed, physical therapist (+201068923232, moazkhaled437@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
assessment of pain intensity (time frame: at baseline and after 8 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 19 Aug 2025.