Actively Recruiting
Vacuum Massage vs Tactile Massage for the Treatment of Chronic Neck Pain
Led by University of Tromso · Updated on 2025-12-11
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
270 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Chronic pain significantly impacts individuals and society, with about 30% of Norwegian adults affected, making it the leading cause of long-term sick leave and disability benefits. Concerns over addiction to pain medications highlight the need for non-pharmacological treatments, though many such therapies, often complementary or alternative, are not widely available in conventional healthcare. Unclear biomechanisms of these therapies pose challenges for clinical trials and acceptance. This pilot study aims to explore the effects of two types of massage-cupping massage (CM, intense) and tactile massage (TM, soft)-on chronic neck pain, focusing on their mechanisms of action. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) will be used as a biomarker to assess changes in the pain pathway. A previous feasibility study on CM and QST conducted in Germany informs this research. The study will recruit 60 patients with chronic neck pain, randomized to CM or TM, with six weekly treatment sessions. QST will be measured before and after treatment to understand therapy-induced changes in the pain pathway. Findings will help tailor massage therapies to individual needs, improve clinical trial quality, and promote the integration of non-pharmacological treatments into conventional care, benefiting a large population in need.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Vacuum Massage vs Tactile Massage for the Treatment of Chronic Neck Pain
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Suffer from non-specific neck pain lasting at least 3 months
- Have an average pain intensity of 50 or higher on a 0-100 scale
You will not qualify if you...
- Have neurological symptoms
- Had vertebral column surgery less than 12 months ago
- Received TENS, acupuncture, osteopathy, chiropractic treatment, or infiltration in the neck area within 4 weeks before the study
- Have a congenital spine deformity
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Institute of Community Medicine, National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, NAFKAM
Tromsø, Troms, Norway, 9013
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
F
Frauke Musial, Ph.d.
CONTACT
S
Solveig Johansson, MS
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
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