Trapezius Myalgia
Conditions
Keywords
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, Deep Transverse Friction, Trapezius Myalgia
Brief 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. 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.
Interventions
OTHERDeep 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.
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
Sponsors
Ibadat International University, Islamabad
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
The study will be conducted as a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. The outcome assessor responsible for measuring and recording the study outcomes will be blinded to the participants' group allocation. The assessor will not be involved in the intervention and will be instructed not to discuss the treatment received by participants.
Intervention model description
Allocation: Randomized Masking: Single-Blind (Outcome Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* 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.
Exclusion criteria
* 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.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bubble Inclinometer | Baseline and after four weeks of treatment. | Cervical range of motion measured using a Bubble Inclinometer. |
| Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). | Baseline and after four weeks of treatment. | Pain intensity measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). |
| Neck Disability Index (NDI). | Baseline and after four weeks of treatment | Functional disability assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hand-Held Dynamometer. | Baseline and after four weeks of treatment. | Muscle strength measured using a Hand-Held Dynamometer. |
Countries
Pakistan
Contacts
CONTACTHafsah Arshad, PhD*
CONTACTNaheed Akhtar, Masters
Outcome results
None listed