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Rotator Cuff SyndromeNCT07645963

Effects of Myofascial Trigger Point Release Versus Neil Asher Technique Oin Patients With Rotator Cuff Syndrome

A study testing Myofascial Trigger Point Release (MFTR)+ conservative physiotherapy Group and Neil Asher Technique (NAT) + conservative physiotherapy Group in people with Rotator Cuff Syndrome, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Rotator cuff syndrome is a common cause of shoulder pain and functional limitation, often associated with myofascial trigger points. Myofascial Trigger Point Release (MFTR) and the Neil Asher Technique (NAT) are manual therapies aimed at reducing pain and improving mobility. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 40 to 60 years
Conditions the study is for
Rotator Cuff Syndrome
What is being tested?
Myofascial Trigger Point Release (MFTR)+ conservative physiotherapy Group and Neil Asher Technique (NAT) + conservative physiotherapy Group
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
36 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
30 Jun 2026to 30 Oct 2026
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 40 to 60 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age 40-60 years
  • Positive Neer's and Hawkins Kennedy test (27)
  • Grade 1 or 2 rotator cuff syndrome (non-surgical)

Who cannot join

  • Cardiac issues (e.g., myocardial infarction)
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Pregnancy
  • Trauma-related shoulder pain
  • History of shoulder surgery
  • Numbness, tingling
  • Corticosteroid injections

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Samrood Akram, PhD* contact

03324806143

samrood.akram@riphah.edu.pk

Pakistan1 site
  • University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore HOD Physio Department

    Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

Official title: Effects of Myofascial Trigger Point Release Versus Neil Asher Technique on Pain, Range of Motion, and Disability in Patients With Rotator Cuff Syndrome

Rotator cuff syndrome is a common cause of shoulder pain and functional limitation, often associated with myofascial trigger points. Myofascial Trigger Point Release (MFTR) and the Neil Asher Technique (NAT) are manual therapies aimed at reducing pain and improving mobility. This study compares their effects on pain, range of motion, and disability in individuals with rotator cuff syndrome.

Read the detailed description

This will be a randomized Clinical trial conducted on 36 participants. Data will be collected from Jinnah hospital and The University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore by using non-probability convenience sampling technique. Adults aged 40 to 60 years with non-surgical rotator cuff-related shoulder pain, confirmed by positive Neer's or Hawkins-Kennedy tests and experiencing symptoms for more than four weeks, will be included in this study. Individuals with cardiac conditions, pregnancy, trauma-related shoulder injuries, or a history of shoulder surgery will be excluded. Group A will receive Myofascial Trigger Point Release (MFTR) along with conservative physiotherapy, while Group B will receive the Neil Asher Technique (NAT) combined with conservative physiotherapy. Each session will last 35 minutes-20 minutes for the primary intervention and 15 minutes for conventional therapy-administered four times per week for four weeks. Pre- and post-treatment evaluations will include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), range of motion (using a Universal Goniometer), and disability (measured via SPADI). Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 27.0.

Being tested
Myofascial Trigger Point Release (MFTR)+ conservative physiotherapy Group, Neil Asher Technique (NAT) + conservative physiotherapy Group
Keywords
pain, functional disability, range of motion
Medical subject headings
Pain

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Myofascial Trigger Point Release (MFTR)+ conservative physiotherapy GroupOther

    lateral border of the scapula, just below the infraspinatus.

    • Compression is followed by horizontal abduction and external rotation to stretch the muscle.

    Ischemic Compression: Each active trigger point is treated with 2 sets of deep pressure, applied using the therapist's fingers, thumb, or elbow.

    Duration: Each compression lasts 20-30 seconds, gradually increasing pressure to the patient's tolerance.

    Post-Compression Stretching: Gentle passive stretching of the treated muscle follows immediately after each compression set to restore muscle length.

    Each session will last 35 minutes (5 minutes hot pack, 10 minutes stretching, 20 minutes Myofascial Trigger Point Release)

  • Neil Asher Technique (NAT) + conservative physiotherapy GroupOther

    The NAT is a non-invasive trigger point therapy that applies a specific sequence of ischemic compressions to deactivate active trigger points, stimulate reflex responses, and promote muscular balance.

    Apply several deep strokes over the fibrous band and then each trigger point is treated with sustained manual pressure for 20-30 seconds, repeated 2-3 times per session.

    Hot Pack Application: A moist hot pack will be applied over the affected shoulder for 5 minutes using a protective towel.

    Shoulder Stretching Routine: Includes flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, and internal/external rotation (each stretch held for 20-30 seconds and repeated 3-5 times).

Study groups in NCT07645963
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Myofascial Trigger Point Release (MFTR)+ conservative physiotherapy Group)ExperimentalThis group will be given Myofascial Trigger Point Release (MFTR) with basic physiotherapy care.
Receives: Other: Myofascial Trigger Point Release (MFTR)+ conservative physiotherapy Group
Neil Asher Technique (NAT) + conservative physiotherapy GroupActive comparatorThis group will be given Neil Asher Technique (NAT) along with basic physiotherapy care.
Receives: Other: Neil Asher Technique (NAT) + conservative physiotherapy Group

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) - Pain Assessment

    The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a unidimensional, patient-reported outcome measure used to assess pain intensity. Participants are asked to rate their current pain level, or average pain over a specified recall period (e.g., past 24 hours or past week), using an 11-point scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "worst imaginable pain."

    Measured: upto 4 weeks

  2. Universal Goniometer (UG) - Range of Motion (ROM)

    The Universal Goniometer (UG) is a standard clinical instrument used for measuring joint range of motion (ROM) in degrees. It consists of a fulcrum, stationary arm, and movable arm, allowing precise angular measurement of joint movement.

    For ROM assessment, the participant is positioned according to standardized protocols (supine, prone, or sitting depending on the joint being assessed). Anatomical landmarks are used for alignment to ensure accuracy and reliability. The stationary arm is aligned with the proximal segment of the joint, while the movable arm follows the distal segment.

    Measured: upto 4 weeks

  3. Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) - Disability Outcome

    The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) is a validated, self-administered questionnaire designed to measure pain and functional disability in patients with shoulder conditions.

    It consists of 13 items divided into two subscales:

    Pain subscale (5 items) - assesses severity of shoulder pain during specific activities Disability subscale (8 items) - assesses difficulty in performing functional tasks such as dressing, reaching, lifting, and carrying objects

    Each item is scored on a Visual Analog Scale (0-10), where higher scores indicate greater pain and disability. The total SPADI score is calculated as a percentage, with 0% representing no disability and 100% representing maximum disability.

    Measured: upto 4 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted12 Jun 2026
  2. Study start30 Jun 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion30 Oct 2026 (estimated)

Resources

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
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
36 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07645963
Sponsor's protocol ID
REC/RCR&AHS/25/0116 Iqra
Status last verified
Jun 2026
First submitted
8 Jun 2026
Last updated
12 Jun 2026
Results posted
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Varacallo MA, El Bitar Y, Sina RE, Mair SD. Rotator Cuff Syndrome. 2024 Mar 5. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531506/

    PubMed 30285401
  • Kuhn JE. Prevalence, natural history, and nonoperative treatment of rotator cuff disease. Operative techniques in sports medicine. 2023;31(1):150978.

  • Meyers AR, Wurzelbacher SJ, Krieg EF, Ramsey JG, Crombie K, Christianson AL, Luo L, Burt S. Work-Related Risk Factors for Rotator Cuff Syndrome in a Prospective Study of Manufacturing and Healthcare Workers. Hum Factors. 2023 May;65(3):419-434. doi: 10.1177/00187208211022122. Epub 2021 Jun 20.

    PubMed 34148475
  • Zahra T, Altaf F, Akhtar H, Awan SS, Sher UA, Waris S. Sleep Quality and Nocturnal Pain in Patients of Rotator Cuff Syndrome. Pakistan Journal of Medical & Health Sciences. 2022;16(09):394-.

  • Kwan CK, Ko MC, Fu SC, Leong HT, Ling SK, Oh JH, Yung PS. Are muscle weakness and stiffness risk factors of the development of rotator cuff tendinopathy in overhead athletes: a systematic review. Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2021 Jul 3;12:20406223211026178. doi: 10.1177/20406223211026178. eCollection 2021.

    PubMed 34276924
  • Sidiropoulos K, Samundeeswari S, Giannatos V, Kotsapas M, Arrigoni P, Montoya F, Brilakis E, Latz D, Koukos C. Partial Cuff Repair in Rotator Cuff Tears: Current Concepts and Clinical Considerations. Indian J Orthop. 2025 Feb 4;59(6):743-755. doi: 10.1007/s43465-025-01338-0. eCollection 2025 Jun.

    PubMed 40511351
  • Zhao J, Luo M, Pan J, Liang G, Feng W, Zeng L, Yang W, Liu J. Risk factors affecting rotator cuff retear after arthroscopic repair: a meta-analysis and systematic review. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2021 Nov;30(11):2660-2670. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2021.05.010. Epub 2021 Jun 2.

    PubMed 34089878
  • Giri A, O'Hanlon D, Jain NB. Risk factors for rotator cuff disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Ann Phys Rehabil Med. 2023 Feb;66(1):101631. doi: 10.1016/j.rehab.2022.101631. Epub 2022 Nov 30.

    PubMed 35257948
  • Khadour FA, Khadour YA, Alharbi NSK, Alhatem W, Albarroush D, Dao X. Risk factors for rotator cuff tear in Syrian adults: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep. 2025 Feb 18;15(1):5837. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-89878-1.

    PubMed 39966503
  • Javed O, Maldonado KA, Ashmyan R. Anatomy, Shoulder and Upper Limb, Muscles. 2023 Jul 24. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482410/

    PubMed 29494017
  • Cao Z, Li Q, Li Y, Wu J. The association of metabolic syndrome with rotator cuff tendinopathy: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2023 Oct 24;15(1):211. doi: 10.1186/s13098-023-01189-5.

    PubMed 37875953

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Myofascial Trigger Point Release (MFTR)+ conservative physiotherapy Group and Neil Asher Technique (NAT) + conservative physiotherapy Group in people with Rotator Cuff Syndrome, 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 3 inclusion and 7 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 12 Jun 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?

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 Samrood Akram, PhD* (03324806143, samrood.akram@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) - Pain Assessment (time frame: upto 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 NCT07645963, which also lists 11 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 12 Jun 2026.

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