An interventional study of Stripping Massage Technique: and Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) in Trapezius Myalgia, sponsored by Riphah International University. Not yet recruiting at 1 site in Pakistan. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 50 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-07-14.
Sponsored by Riphah International University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This randomized clinical trial investigates the synergistic effects of stripping massage and Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) on pain alleviation, ROM and functional movement improvement in individuals with Trapezius myalgia. A purposive sampling approach will select participants aged 18 and 50 years. A total of 44 patients will be taken, who will be randomly divided into two equal groups, each containing 22 patients. Group A will receive standard baseline management, supplemented with heating pad, active stretching, isometrics and ischemic compression, while Group B will receive the combined management (stripping massage + PIR) .
The study will assess pain intensity using NPRS, ROM using goniometer and neck disability or functional movement of neck using Neck Disability Index (NDI) at baseline and four weeks follow-up. Ethical approval and informed consent will ensure the study's integrity. The primary outcomes will focus on pain reduction and improved neck function, with secondary outcomes including trigger point severity and range of motion. Data analysis will utilize SPSS version 25. This study aims to provide valuable insights into the combined efficacy of stripping massage and PIR, ultimately informing evidence-based practice and enhancing patient outcomes in patients with trapezius myalgia.
2,219 studies on the registry are indexed under Pain; 917 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 44 is below the median of 70 across 1,904 interventional studies indexed under Pain.
Browse Pain studies →Riphah International University is the lead sponsor of 2,133 studies on the registry; 633 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Exclusion Criteria:
Stripping Massage Technique: * The back of the neck and shoulder were uncovered. * Controlled and steady pressure was administered using the thumb along the entirety of the tense trapezius muscle, moving from origin to insertion and perpendicular to the muscle fibers, for approximately 3 minutes, twice weekly over a period of 4 weeks. * The pressure was progressively raised with each subsequent stroke, based on tolerance level.
Other: Stripping Massage Technique:
Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR): * During the PIR intervention, the patients rested in a supine position with their necks tilted to the side, away from the affected side, placing the upper trapezius muscle fibers in a stretched position. * A moderate isometric contraction, around 75% of the patient's maximum effort, was performed by the upper trapezius and maintained for 5 seconds, followed by a 3-second relaxation phase. * The therapist then gently mobilized the cervical spine to a new range of motion barrier. * This sequence was repeated four times per session
Other: Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR)
* The back of the neck and shoulder were uncovered. * Controlled and steady pressure was administered using the thumb along the entirety of the tense trapezius muscle, moving from origin to insertion and perpendicular to the muscle fibers, for approximately 3 minutes, twice weekly over a period of 4 weeks. * The pressure was progressively raised with each subsequent stroke, based on tolerance level.
* During the PIR intervention, the patients rested in a supine position with their necks tilted to the side, away from the affected side, placing the upper trapezius muscle fibers in a stretched position. * A moderate isometric contraction, around 75% of the patient's maximum effort, was performed by the upper trapezius and maintained for 5 seconds, followed by a 3-second relaxation phase. * The therapist then gently mobilized the cervical spine to a new range of motion barrier. * This sequence was repeated four times per session.
NPRS
The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a numeric adaptation of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). In this version, the patient selects a number from 0 to 10 that best represents the intensity of their pain. This 11-point scale ranges from "no pain" to "worst pain imaginable," where 0 indicates no pain and 10 signifies extreme pain.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Universal Goniometer
Range of motion (ROM) is a crucial parameter for assessing movement limitations. While clinicians commonly use goniometers to measure ROM, the accuracy of this method largely relies on the clinician's skill and experience.
Time frame: 4 weeks
NDI
The NDI (Neck Disability Index) is a condition-specific, patient-completed questionnaire consisting of 10 items designed to evaluate pain and functional status, primarily used for reporting neck pain. Each item on the scale is scored from 0 to 5, with the total score interpreted as a percentage. A score of 0 points (0%) indicates no activity limitation, while a score of 50 points (100%) indicates complete activity limitation. The NDI is a reliable and valid questionnaire for neck pain patients, with interclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.50 to 0.98
Time frame: 4 Weeks
Plan to share: No
This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in Jul 2025. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
Get an email when the registry record changes — status, dates, results — or when someone posts here.
Sign in to followQuestions and observations about this study, from anyone following it. Not medical advice, and not a channel to the study team — their contact details are on the registry record.
Sign in to join the discussion. Reading takes no account; posting does. You choose a display name, and a pseudonym is the default.
Nothing here yet. If you are running this trial, taking part in it, or weighing whether to, this is the place to say so.
Riphah International University