An interventional study of Tele-rehabilitation (ET + Self-Myofascial Release) and Conventional Myofascial Release Treatment in Myofascial Pain Syndrome, sponsored by Riphah International University. Recruiting at 1 site in Pakistan. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 35 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-08-06.
Sponsored by Riphah International University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This randomized controlled trial aims to assess the effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation, including self-myofascial release and exercise therapy, in reducing pain, improving functional range of motion, and decreasing neck disability in patients with rhomboid trigger points associated with myofascial pain syndrome.
Rhomboid myofascial pain syndrome is a common yet often underreported musculoskeletal condition characterized by the presence of myofascial trigger points within the rhomboid muscles. These trigger points produce localized and referred pain, reduced range of motion, and functional limitations that can significantly affect daily activities. The condition is strongly associated with poor posture, prolonged sitting, and repetitive upper limb activities, particularly among individuals with sedentary lifestyles and high occupational demands. Evidence indicates a high prevalence of rhomboid trigger points, with many individuals experiencing moderate pain that interferes with their routine work and overall quality of life.
Biomechanically, sustained postural stress such as forward head posture and rounded shoulders increases the load on scapular stabilizing muscles, leading to muscle fatigue, microtrauma, and the development of trigger points. These changes contribute to altered scapular kinematics, muscle imbalance, and restricted movement. Self-myofascial release techniques have been shown to reduce pain sensitivity, improve circulation, and restore muscle function, making them an effective approach for managing myofascial pain.
Tele-rehabilitation has emerged as a practical and accessible method for delivering physiotherapy interventions remotely, allowing patients to perform guided exercises and self-myofascial release without the need for frequent in-person visits. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with busy schedules or limited access to healthcare services.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation, incorporating self-myofascial release and exercise therapy, in reducing pain intensity, improving functional range of motion, and decreasing neck disability in patients with rhomboid trigger points associated with myofascial pain syndrome. The study also seeks to determine the feasibility of tele-rehabilitation as a convenient and sustainable alternative to conventional physiotherapy for managing rhomboid-related musculoskeletal pain.
1,136 studies on the registry are indexed under Myofascial Pain Syndromes; 137 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 36 is below the median of 60 across 931 interventional studies indexed under Myofascial Pain Syndromes.
Browse Myofascial Pain Syndromes 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.
Participants falling in this category would be recruited into the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants falling in this category would be excluded from the study.
1. Self-Myofascial Release: Using a tennis ball against the wall targeting rhomboid region (5 mintues in total). 2. Stretching Exercises: Upper trapezius and levator scapulae stretch (30 seconds hold × 5 repetitions). 3. Postural correction Exercises: cervical retraction and shoulder blade squeezing /retraction ( 5 repetitions). 4. Postural and ergonomic education . 5. Mode of Delivery: Live/video-guided tele-rehabilitation sessions.
Other: Tele-rehabilitation (ET + Self-Myofascial Release)
1. Manual Myofascial Release: Therapist performe myofascial release on rhomboid trigger points.( 5 mintues in total) 2. Stretching Exercises: Upper trapezius and levator scapulae stretch (30 seconds hold × 5 repetitions). 3. Postural correction Exercises: cervical retraction and shoulder blade squeezing /retraction ( 5 repetitions). 4. Postural and ergonomic education . 5. Mode of Delivery: In hospital treatment.
Other: Conventional Myofascial Release Treatment
1. Self-Myofascial Release: Using a tennis ball against the wall targeting rhomboid region (5 mintues in total). 2. Stretching Exercises: Upper trapezius and levator scapulae stretch (30 seconds hold × 5 repetitions). 3. Postural correction Exercises: cervical retraction and shoulder blade squeezing /retraction ( 5 repetitions). 4. Postural and ergonomic education . 5. Mode of Delivery: Live/video-guided tele-rehabilitation sessions.
1. Manual Myofascial Release: Therapist performe myofascial release on rhomboid trigger points.( 5 mintues in total) 2. Stretching Exercises: Upper trapezius and levator scapulae stretch (30 seconds hold × 5 repetitions). 3. Postural correction Exercises: cervical retraction and shoulder blade squeezing /retraction ( 5 repetitions). 4. Postural and ergonomic education .
Inclinometer for functional range of motion
An inclinometer is a reliable and valid instrument used to measure cervical range of motion (ROM) in flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion. It provides objective and reproducible angular measurements of spinal movement. Studies have reported excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.85-0.98) for cervical motion assessment using a dual inclinometer.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a simple, reliable, and valid tool used to assess pain intensity. It consists of an 11-point scale ranging from 0 to 10.The NPRS shows strong construct and concurrent validity when compared with other established pain assessment tools.The NPRS has demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (r = 0.95) is across various musculoskeletal and rehabilitation populations
Time frame: 2 weeks
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a standardized questionnaire used to assess the impact of neck pain on daily activities. It consists of 10 items, each scored from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater disability. The NDI has shown excellent reliability (ICC = 0.89-0.94) and strong validity for evaluating functional limitations in patients with neck and upper back pain.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Plan to share: No
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
Eligibility is decided by the study team. Share this record with your doctor or contact the team directly.
Contact study teamGet 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