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Can a simple massage tool outperform Hands-On therapy for headaches that start in the neck?

NCT ID NCT07724639

Symptom relief Sponsor: Riphah International University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

What the study statuses mean

This study's is highlighted.

Recruitment status, easiest to join first

Recruiting now
This trial is taking on new participants right now.
Not yet recruiting This study
Registered, but not yet taking participants.
By invitation only
Not open to general applications. Only people the study team invites can take part.
Paused
Paused for now. It may or may not start again.
Ongoing
Running, but no longer taking on new participants.
Completed
The trial has finished. Results may not be published yet.
Stopped early
Stopped early, before it reached the end. That can be for many reasons, including safety.
Cancelled
Cancelled before anyone took part.

Expanded access (not trials)

Expanded access
Not a trial. This treatment can be requested outside a study, case by case, for people who qualify.
Expanded access (paused)
Not a trial. The treatment can normally be requested outside a study, but is unavailable right now.
Expanded access (ended)
Not a trial. The treatment could once be requested outside a study, but no longer can.
Approved
The treatment has been approved, so it is available normally rather than through this programme.

When the status isn't known

Details not published
The full record has not been published yet, so there is little to show here.
Status unknown
This status has not been confirmed recently, so it may be out of date.

First seen Jul 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026

Summary

This trial tests two hands-on treatments for cervicogenic headache — a type of headache that originates from the neck. One group receives Graston technique, which uses metal tools to scrape and release tight muscles, while the other gets myofascial release, a manual stretching and pressure method. Researchers will measure changes in pain, neck movement, and daily function over four weeks in adults aged 18 to 40 diagnosed with cervicogenic headache.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Graston technique and myofascial release therapy
What this could lead to
If one technique proves superior, it could offer a more effective non-drug option for managing cervicogenic headache pain and improving neck function.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage trial with only 48 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Both techniques are manual therapies with variable practitioner skill, and the study cannot determine long-term effects.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

About 48 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Expected to start

Jul 2026

An estimate. Start dates often move.

Expected to finish

Dec 2026

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

18 to 40 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Males and females between age 18-40 years \[A30.1\]of age with Cervicogenic Headache * Diagnosed with Cervicogenic headache according to ICHD-3 criteria (3) * Presence of active myofascial trigger points in the SCM and upper trapezius and subocvcipital levator scapuli (confirmed \[A31.1\]via palpation and referred pain) simens \[A32.1\]criteria * Positive Cervical Flexion Rotation Test Exclusion Criteria: * Any history of cervical trauma, fracture, or recent surgery. * Diagnosis of migraine, tension-type headache, or cluster headache (9). * Any cervical spine pathology e.g. cervical myelopathies and arthropathies. * Pregnant or lactating women. * Skin conditions or open wounds that contraindicate use of Graston tools e.g. open wounds, skin infections and burns etc.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Post-Traumatic Headache

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Cervicogenic headache

How to take part

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  1. The official record

    ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.

    Open the record ↗

  2. A doctor treating you

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