Trapezius MyalgiaNCT07820293
Comparative Effect of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Deep Transverse Friction Massage in Patients With Trapezius Myalgia
A study testing Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM) and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) in people with Trapezius Myalgia, run by Ibadat International University, Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial compares the effectiveness of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM) in patients with trapezius myalgia. A total of 42 participants aged 18-45 years will be randomly assigned to either intervention group. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Trapezius Myalgia
- What is being tested?
- Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM) and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 42 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 7 Mar 2026to 30 Sep 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 18 to 45 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male and female participants aged 18-45 years. Clinical diagnosis of trapezius myalgia with neck pain lasting more than two weeks.
- Tenderness over the upper trapezius muscle. NPRS pain score greater than 4. Cervical flexion less than 60° and extension less than 50°. Able to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Congenital or structural musculoskeletal deformities (e.g., torticollis, scoliosis, cervical rib).
- Open wounds, skin infections, or dermatological conditions over the treatment area.
- Cervical spine or upper limb surgery within the previous 12 months. Cervical radiculopathy, cervical spondylosis, herniated disc, or whiplash injury.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Naheed Akhtar, Masters contact
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Ibadat International University, Islamabad (Iiui)
Islamabad, 46000
Hafsah Arshad, PhD*, 03315165234, hafsaharshad12@gmail.com
Naheed Akhter, Masters
About this study
This randomized controlled trial compares the effectiveness of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM) in patients with trapezius myalgia. A total of 42 participants aged 18-45 years will be randomly assigned to either intervention group. Both groups will also receive conventional physiotherapy consisting of TENS, hot packs, range-of-motion exercises, and stretching. Treatment will be provided four sessions per week for four weeks. Outcomes include pain intensity, cervical range of motion, muscle strength, and functional disability.
Read the detailed description
Trapezius myalgia is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by pain, muscle tightness, stiffness, fatigue, and reduced cervical movement. It commonly develops due to poor posture, prolonged desk work, repetitive upper-limb activities, and occupational stress. These symptoms reduce functional ability and quality of life.
Although both Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM) are widely used in physiotherapy, evidence comparing their effectiveness is limited. Therefore, this study aims to determine which intervention provides greater improvements in pain, cervical range of motion, muscle strength, and functional disability.
The study will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial at the Department of Physical Therapy, Ibadat International University Islamabad. Forty-two participants will be recruited using a sample size calculated through OpenEpi. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated into two intervention groups.
Both groups will receive conventional physiotherapy consisting of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), hot pack application, active range-of-motion exercises, and stretching exercises. Treatment will be administered four sessions per week for four weeks (16 sessions).
The DTFM group will receive manual deep transverse friction massage over the upper trapezius muscle to reduce pain, release adhesions, and improve tissue mobility. The IASTM group will receive soft tissue mobilization using stainless-steel instruments to improve circulation, release fascial restrictions, and promote tissue healing.
Outcome measures will include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Bubble Inclinometer for cervical range of motion, Hand-Held Dynamometer for muscle strength, and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 25 with appropriate parametric or non-parametric statistical tests. Statistical significance will be set at p ≤ 0.05.
The findings will contribute to evidence-based physiotherapy practice by identifying the more effective manual therapy technique for treating trapezius myalgia.
- Conditions
- Trapezius Myalgia
- Being tested
- Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM), Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
- Keywords
- Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, Deep Transverse Friction, Trapezius Myalgia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM)Other
Participants will receive Deep Transverse Friction Massage over the upper trapezius muscle along with conventional physiotherapy, including TENS, hot packs, stretching, and active range-of-motion exercises. The intervention aims to reduce pain, improve tissue mobility, increase cervical range of motion, enhance muscle strength, and improve functional ability.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)Other
Participants will receive Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization using stainless-steel instruments together with the same conventional physiotherapy protocol. The intervention aims to reduce soft tissue restrictions, improve circulation, decrease pain, enhance cervical mobility, increase muscle strength, and improve functional outcomes
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM) | Experimental | Participants will receive Deep Transverse Friction Massage over the upper trapezius muscle along with conventional physiotherapy, including TENS, hot packs, stretching, and active range-of-motion exercises. The intervention aims to reduce pain, improve tissue mobility, increase cervical range of motion, enhance muscle strength, and improve functional ability Receives: Other: Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM) |
| Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) | Active comparator | Participants will receive Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization using stainless-steel instruments together with the same conventional physiotherapy protocol. The intervention aims to reduce soft tissue restrictions, improve circulation, decrease pain, enhance cervical mobility, increase muscle strength, and improve functional outcomes. Receives: Other: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Bubble Inclinometer
Cervical range of motion measured using a Bubble Inclinometer.
Measured: Baseline and after four weeks of treatment.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS).
Pain intensity measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS).
Measured: Baseline and after four weeks of treatment.
Neck Disability Index (NDI).
Functional disability assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI).
Measured: Baseline and after four weeks of treatment
Secondary outcomes (1)
Hand-Held Dynamometer.
Muscle strength measured using a Hand-Held Dynamometer.
Measured: Baseline and after four weeks of treatment.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Sep 2026
- Study start7 Mar 2026
- Primary completion28 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- 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
- Model description
- Allocation: Randomized Masking: Single-Blind (Outcome Assessor)
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ibadat International University, Islamabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Hafsah Arshad, Ibadat International University, Islamabad
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07820293
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IIUI/RERC/ADT/2026/02/256
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 9 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 15 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- 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 15 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effect of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Deep Transverse Friction Massage in Patients With Trapezius Myalgia
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07820293
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IIUI/RERC/ADT/2026/02/256
- Conditions
- Trapezius Myalgia
- Keywords
- Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, Deep Transverse Friction, Trapezius Myalgia
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Ibadat International University, IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 7 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 28 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 15 Sep 2026 (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 controlled trial compares the effectiveness of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM) in patients with trapezius myalgia. A total of 42 participants aged 18-45 years will be randomly assigned to either intervention group. Both groups will also receive conventional physiotherapy consisting of TENS, hot packs, range-of-motion exercises, and stretching. Treatment will be provided four sessions per week for four weeks. Outcomes include pain intensity, cervical range of motion, muscle strength, and functional disability.
Detailed description
Trapezius myalgia is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by pain, muscle tightness, stiffness, fatigue, and reduced cervical movement. It commonly develops due to poor posture, prolonged desk work, repetitive upper-limb activities, and occupational stress. These symptoms reduce functional ability and quality of life.
Although both Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM) are widely used in physiotherapy, evidence comparing their effectiveness is limited. Therefore, this study aims to determine which intervention provides greater improvements in pain, cervical range of motion, muscle strength, and functional disability.
The study will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial at the Department of Physical Therapy, Ibadat International University Islamabad. Forty-two participants will be recruited using a sample size calculated through OpenEpi. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated into two intervention groups.
Both groups will receive conventional physiotherapy consisting of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), hot pack application, active range-of-motion exercises, and stretching exercises. Treatment will be administered four sessions per week for four weeks (16 sessions).
The DTFM group will receive manual deep transverse friction massage over the upper trapezius muscle to reduce pain, release adhesions, and improve tissue mobility. The IASTM group will receive soft tissue mobilization using stainless-steel instruments to improve circulation, release fascial restrictions, and promote tissue healing.
Outcome measures will include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Bubble Inclinometer for cervical range of motion, Hand-Held Dynamometer for muscle strength, and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 25 with appropriate parametric or non-parametric statistical tests. Statistical significance will be set at p ≤ 0.05.
The findings will contribute to evidence-based physiotherapy practice by identifying the more effective manual therapy technique for treating trapezius myalgia.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Allocation: Randomized Masking: Single-Blind (Outcome Assessor)
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM) | Experimental | Other: Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM)Participants will receive Deep Transverse Friction Massage over the upper trapezius muscle along with conventional physiotherapy, including TENS, hot packs, stretching, and active range-of-motion exercises. The intervention aims to reduce pain, improve tissue mobility, increase cervical range of motion, enhance muscle strength, and improve functional ability |
| Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) | Active comparator | Other: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)Participants will receive Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization using stainless-steel instruments together with the same conventional physiotherapy protocol. The intervention aims to reduce soft tissue restrictions, improve circulation, decrease pain, enhance cervical mobility, increase muscle strength, and improve functional outcomes. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Male and female participants aged 18-45 years. Clinical diagnosis of trapezius myalgia with neck pain lasting more than two weeks.
- Tenderness over the upper trapezius muscle. NPRS pain score greater than 4. Cervical flexion less than 60° and extension less than 50°. Able to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Congenital or structural musculoskeletal deformities (e.g., torticollis, scoliosis, cervical rib).
- Open wounds, skin infections, or dermatological conditions over the treatment area.
- Cervical spine or upper limb surgery within the previous 12 months. Cervical radiculopathy, cervical spondylosis, herniated disc, or whiplash 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM)Participants will receive Deep Transverse Friction Massage over the upper trapezius muscle along with conventional physiotherapy, including TENS, hot packs, stretching, and active range-of-motion exercises. The intervention aims to reduce pain, improve tissue mobility, increase cervical range of motion, enhance muscle strength, and improve functional ability. | Other | Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM) |
| Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)Participants will receive Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization using stainless-steel instruments together with the same conventional physiotherapy protocol. The intervention aims to reduce soft tissue restrictions, improve circulation, decrease pain, enhance cervical mobility, increase muscle strength, and improve functional outcomes | Other | Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) |
Primary outcome
Bubble Inclinometer
Time frame: Baseline and after four weeks of treatment.
Cervical range of motion measured using a Bubble Inclinometer.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS).
Time frame: Baseline and after four weeks of treatment.
Pain intensity measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS).
Neck Disability Index (NDI).
Time frame: Baseline and after four weeks of treatment
Functional disability assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI).
1 secondary outcome
Hand-Held Dynamometer.
Time frame: Baseline and after four weeks of treatment.
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 15 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Trapezius Myalgia
Recruiting
The Impact of Dry Needling on Electrophysiological and Ultrasound-based Biomarkers for Myofascial Pain
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Not yet recruiting
Stripping Massage Technique and Post-isometric Relaxation
Trapezius Myalgia
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.
Naheed Akhtar, Masters contact
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM) and Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) in people with Trapezius Myalgia, run by Ibadat International University, Islamabad 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 2 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 15 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?
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 Hafsah Arshad, PhD* (03315165234, hafsaharshad12@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Bubble Inclinometer (time frame: Baseline and after four weeks of treatment.). 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?
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 15 Sep 2026.