Comparing the Effects of Therapist-Applied and Self-Myofascial Release Plus Exercise for Adults with Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain Aged 18 to 45

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of different myofascial release techniques combined with a structured exercise program on functional outcomes in adults with chronic non-specific neck pain. This randomized controlled trial focuses on people aged 18 to 45 who have had neck pain for at least three months with pain intensity of at least 3 on the Visual Analog Scale and myofascial trigger points in upper-quarter muscles. The study aims to compare manual therapist-applied myofascial release and self-applied myofascial release against conventional therapy to find which approach may improve function more effectively. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups Conventional Therapy Group receiving hot packs, conventional TENS, and a structured exercise program Manual Myofascial Release Group receiving the conventional therapy plus therapist-applied manual myofascial release and Self-Myofascial Release Group receiving the conventional therapy plus supervised self-applied myofascial release using specialized tools. All interventions are provided three days per week for six weeks. Assessments occur before treatment, immediately after the first session, and after the final session. During the study, participants undergo multiple evaluations including pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, cervical range of motion, muscle stiffness, craniovertebral angle, cervical proprioception, muscle strength and endurance, disability, neck awareness, biopsychosocial status, sleep quality, quality of life, and kinesiophobia. These measures are used to assess changes over time and the impact of the different therapies. The trial is conducted by the Eastern Mediterranean University and includes detailed monitoring throughout the six-week intervention period.

Effects of Different Myofascial Release Techniques on Function in Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain