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Comparative Effects of Bowen Therapy and Myofascial Release Technique on Upper Trapezius Tightness in Patients With Non-specific Neck Pain

Comparative Effects of Bowen Therapy and Myofascial Release Technique on Upper Trapezius Tightness in Patients With Non-specific Neck Pain

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07785219
Enrollment
32
Registered
2026-08-25
Start date
2025-04-22
Completion date
2025-12-15
Last updated
2026-08-25

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Non Specific Neck Pain

Keywords

Non-specific neck pain, upper trapezius, bowen therapy, myofascial release technique

Brief summary

The randomized clinical trial was involved 32 participants with upper trapezius tightness in patients with non-specific neck pain. A randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Out Patient Department (OPD) of Madinah Teaching Hospital Faisalabad, Aziz Fatimah Hospital, Faisalabad and In motion physiotherapy rehab clinic, Faisalabad. Simple random sampling technique was used. Sample size was 32 calculated by statistical software (Open Epi Tool). Participants was divided into 2 groups using random number generator method. Bowen therapy was given to group A (n=16) while myofascial release technique was given to group B (n=16).Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Universal goniometer and Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used to quantify pain, cervical range of motion and functional disability respectively.

Detailed description

Non-specific neck pain is linked with postural or mechanical factors like improper posture and work related activities with no neurological sign or traumatic condition. Upper trapezius (postural muscle) basically involved in neck pain. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of bowen therapy and myofascial release technique on upper trapezius tightness in patients with non-specific neck pain.One technique for mobilizing soft tissues is myofascial release. It uses manual traction and prolonged muscle and fascia stretching to break down adhesions which lessens pain and improve flexibility.Thus it is recommended that this method act as a catalyst to address trapezius problems One technique for mobilizing soft tissues is myofascial release. It uses manual traction and prolonged muscle and fascia stretching to break down adhesions which lessens pain and improve flexibility .Bowen therapy is a form of manual therapy that involves manipulating soft tissues. This technique involves precise sequences of gentle cross-fibrer movements across muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia with few grams of force which enhance circulation of blood, reduces pain and relieve psychological stress. Having no side effects due to it's gentle characteristics .A randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Out Patient Department (OPD) of Madinah Teaching Hospital Faisalabad, Aziz Fatimah Hospital, Faisalabad and In motion physiotherapy rehab clinic, Faisalabad. 20-35 years aged participants both male and female with non-specific neck pain along with trapezius tightness was included. Participants with neurological symptoms was excluded. Written and verbal consent was obtained from participants before including into study. Participants was divided into 2 groups using random number generator method. Bowen therapy was given to group A (n=16) while myofascial release technique was given to group B (n=16).Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Universal goniometer and Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used to quantify pain, cervical range of motion and functional disability respectively. IBM SPSS version 20 was used for statistically analysis of data.

Interventions

OTHERGroup A ( Bowen therapy)

Both groups was received baseline treatment as: Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation(TENS) (a high frequency,100 Hz pulse length, 60 seconds, 10 minutes ) and moist hot pack (10 min) was given as a baseline treatment. Treatment session for 15-20 min that includes different body movements .2-3 repetitions of movements .Movements was repeated after 2 min rest interval.

OTHERGroup B ( Myofascial release therapy )

Both groups was received baseline treatment as: Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation(TENS) (a high frequency,100 Hz pulse length, 60 seconds, 10 minutes ) and moist hot pack (10 min) was given as a baseline treatment Patients was seated on stools while the therapist stood behind them.The base of neck or the upper scapular region was approached medially as pressure is applied using the forearm or the ulnar side of palm. The patient was instructed to maintain an upright posture while leaning sideways and turning their head in opposite direction throughout this gliding motion. 3-4 times this gliding technique was used .

Sponsors

University of Faisalabad
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)

Masking description

This is a single blinded study in which participant were unaware of their group allocation. Both Group receive identical - appearing treatments. Allocation was concealed from participants but investigator and data analyzer known.

Intervention model description

A randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Out Patient Department (OPD) of Madinah Teaching Hospital Faisalabad, Aziz Fatimah Hospital, Faisalabad and In motion physiotherapy rehab clinic, Faisalabad. Simple random sampling technique was used. Sample size was 32 calculated by statistical software (Open Epi Tool). 20-35 years aged participants both male and female with non-specific neck pain along with trapezius tightness was included. Participants with neurological symptoms was excluded. Participants was divided into 2 groups using random number generator method. Bowen therapy was given to group A (n=16) while myofascial release technique was given to group B (n=16).Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Universal goniometer and Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used to quantify pain, cervical range of motion and functional disability respectively. IBM SPSS version 20 was used for statistically analysis of data.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
20 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Patient aged between 20-35 years was included. Patients of both sexes(male-female) included . Patients with non-specific neck pain along with upper trapezius tightness which will be screened by upper trapezius length test. Patients with duration of neck pain from last one month included . According to Numeric Pain Rating Scale, those patients included whose pain intensity lie between moderate-severe range. Patients was be willing to give consent to participate.

Exclusion criteria

* Diagnosed case of disc prolapse. Diagnosed spondylolisthesis case. Neck pain radiating into arms, upper extremity or any neurological impairment. Any diagnosed psychiatric condition. Any infection, wound or injury on neck or shoulder region. Any skin allergy or disease . History of recent trauma or surgery in neck/upper back area

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Non-specific neck painAt baseline ,At end of 2nd week,At end of 4th weekThe NPRS is a simple, 1-question tool used to measure a person's pain intensity. 0 to 100 = "No pain at all" 10 = "Worst pain imaginable".You can ask it for "pain at rest", "pain with activity", or "average pain over the last 24 hours" depending on what you need.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Cervical Range of Motion Functional disabilityAt baseline ,At end of 2nd week ,At end of 4th weekThe universal goniometer is a handheld tool used to measure joint range of motion (ROM) in degrees .To assess improvement in mobility, document baseline, and track treatment effects. The NDI is a 10-item self-report questionnaire used to measure neck pain-related disability. Key points:10 sections: Pain intensity, Personal care, Lifting, Reading, Headaches, Concentration, Work, Driving, Sleeping Recreation Scoring: Each item 0-5. Total = 0-50

Countries

Pakistan

Contacts

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORDr Maryam Safdar

The University of Faisalabad

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Aug 26, 2026