NCT07515352

Myofascial Release and Positional Release Techniques in Unilateral Trapezitis

Effectiveness of Myofascial Release and Positional Release Techniques on Pain, Cervical Range of Motion, and Neck Disability in Patients With Unilateral Trapezitis

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (actual)
• Sponsor: King Saud University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 20 Years – 25 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Unilateral trapezitis is characterized by upper trapezius myofascial pain and trigger points and commonly causes neck pain, restricted cervical range of motion (ROM), and functional disability. While myofascial release (MFR) and positional release technique (PRT) are widely used, their comparative effectiveness remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of MFR versus PRT combined with conventional exercises on pain, cervical lateral flexion ROM, and neck disability in young adults with unilateral trapezitis. Thirty participants (aged 20-25 years) with unilateral trapezitis were randomly assigned to two groups (n=15 each). Group A received MFR plus conventional treatment (active neck movements, trapezius stretching), while Group B received PRT plus the same conventional treatment. Interventions were delivered 3 days/week for 20 minutes/session over 2 months. Outcomes included Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), goniometric cervical lateral flexion ROM (affected/unaffected sides), and Neck Disability Index (NDI), measured pre- and post-intervention. Both MFR and PRT effectively improved pain, ROM, and disability in unilateral trapezitis. PRT demonstrated greater short-term benefits for pain reduction and functional improvement, suggesting it as the preferred initial intervention when rapid symptomatic relief is prioritized.

Conditions

• Myofascial Pain Syndromes

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Myofascial Release Technique	Myofascial release technique is a specialized manual therapy technique used to alleviate chronic pain and restore motion by releasing tension in the fascia.
OTHER	Positional Release Technique	The Positional Release Technique is a gentle manual therapy that resolves pain and tissue dysfunction by moving the body into a "position of ease" or comfort.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-09-05
• Primary completion: 2024-03-14
• Completion: 2024-05-20
• First posted: 2026-04-07
• Last updated: 2026-04-07

Locations

1 site across 1 country: India