Comparing Effects of Connective Tissue Massage and Electrotherapy with Stabilization Exercises for Chronic Neck Pain Relief and Function Improvement

What this Trial Is About

Chronic non-specific neck pain is a common condition that negatively impacts pain levels, functional ability, and quality of life. Researchers are investigating how connective tissue massage and physical therapy methods, when combined with cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization exercises, affect pain, function, and endurance in adults aged 18 to 65 years. This randomized, double-blinded controlled trial compares three different approaches to treatment in this population. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups stabilization exercises alone, stabilization exercises plus connective tissue massage, or stabilization exercises plus electrotherapy modalities including infrared therapy, continuous ultrasound, and TENS. Each exercise session lasts 50 minutes and includes warm-up, stabilization exercises tailored to the individual, and cool-down, conducted face-to-face twice weekly for eight weeks. Participants also perform a daily one-hour home exercise program supported by illustrated brochures. During the study, participants will be assessed on pain using the Bournemouth Neck Questionnaire, disability via the Neck Disability Index, and endurance with the Deep Cervical Flexor Test. Secondary measures include quality of life, cervical range of motion, and scapular function tests. Outcomes are evaluated from enrollment through the end of the eight-week treatment period. The study aims to determine the added benefits of connective tissue massage and electrotherapy when combined with stabilization exercises.

Effects of Connective Tissue Massage and Physical Modalities Combined With Stabilization Exercises in Chronic Neck Pain