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Comparison of Suboccipital Release and Muscle Energy Technique in Subjects With Mechanical Neck Pain and Forward Head Posture
Sponsor: King Edward Medical University
Summary
This study will compare two physiotherapy treatments for adults with long-lasting neck pain and tender muscle spots, called trigger points, in the upper trapezius muscle between the neck and shoulder. The aim is to find out which treatment was more effective in reducing pain, improving neck movement, and reducing difficulty with daily activities. The study will includ 76 adults aged 20-40 years at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Participants will be assigned by chance to one of two treatment groups. One group will receive a cooling spray followed by gentle stretching of the affected muscle. The other group will receive sustained pressure applied by a therapist to the tender muscle spots. Both groups also will receive routine physiotherapy, including heat, exercises, and advice about neck care and posture. Participants will receive six treatment sessions over two weeks. Pain, neck movement, and difficulty with daily activities will be assessed before treatment, immediately after the first session, and after the sixth session.
Official title: Comparative Effectiveness of Suboccipital Release and Muscle Energy Technique to Reduce Pain and Improve Craniovertebral Angle, Cervical Range of Motion and Neck Functional Ability in Subjects With Mechanical Neck Pain and Forward Head Posture
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
20 Years - 30 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
76
Start Date
2026-10-10
Completion Date
2026-12-30
Last Updated
2026-10-09
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Spray and Stretch Technique
With the participant seated comfortably, a vapocoolant spray will be applied in 3-5 parallel sweeps over the upper trapezius muscle, followed by stretching of the affected muscle. The procedure will be repeated 2-3 times per session. Participants will receive six sessions, three times weekly for two weeks, alongside conventional physiotherapy.
Sustained Pressure Technique
The therapist will apply sustained manual pressure to upper trapezius trigger points, adjusting the pressure according to the participant's tolerance. Pressure application will be repeated during each session. Participants will receive six sessions, three times weekly for two weeks, alongside conventional physiotherapy.
Conventional Physiotherapy
Both groups will receive a hot pack over the upper trapezius for 10 minutes, cervical isometric exercises, active neck movement exercises, shoulder shrugs, retraction exercises, and advice on posture and neck care. Exercises will be progressed during the second week. Conventional physiotherapy will provide during six sessions, three times weekly for two weeks.
Locations (1)
Mayo Hospital, Lahore
Lahore, Pakistan