NCT07413770

Comparison of Treatment Modalities in Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Effects of Classical Massage in Individuals With Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Biruni University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 30 Years – 50 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of classical massage on pain, muscle sensitivity, muscle activity, functional status, and quality of life in individuals with myofascial pain syndrome, and to compare the effectiveness of classical massage applied alone versus in combination with a conventional physiotherapy program.

Conditions

• Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome
• Pain
• Massage Therapy
• Physiotherapy

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Conventional treatment	Participants inthis group will receive a conventional physiotherapy program consisting of moist heat application for 15 minutes, pain-limited static stretching of the upper trapezius muscle (30-second stretch with 10-second rest, repeated five times), electrotherapy modalities (TENS, ultrasound, and infrared therapy), and postural education with a home exercise program for approximately 10 minutes.
OTHER	Therapeutic Massage	Participants in this group will receive a 20-minute therapeutic massage intervention identical in technique and sequence to the massage component applied in combined group, targeting the neck and upper back muscles using Swedish massage techniques, without additional conventional physiotherapy modalities.
OTHER	combined treatment	Participants in this group will receive a combined intervention consisting of a conventional physiotherapy program together with a 20-minute therapeutic massage applied to the neck and upper back muscles (erector spinae, upper and middle trapezius, and levator scapulae), delivered according to Swedish massage principles, including effleurage, kneading, and deep friction techniques targeting active trigger points.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-12
• Primary completion: 2026-02-20
• Completion: 2026-03-03
• First posted: 2026-02-17
• Last updated: 2026-02-17

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)