Gentle vs. intense: which Hand-On therapy works best for knots in the neck?
NCT ID NCT07368426
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tested two manual therapy techniques—strain counterstrain (a gentle, passive method) and fascial distortion model (a direct, high-pressure approach)—on 20 healthy adults with latent trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. Researchers measured neck movement, pain sensitivity, and muscle strength immediately after a single session. The goal was to gather early data on which technique might better relieve pain and improve function.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Manual therapy (strain counterstrain and fascial distortion model)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward effective short-term treatments for neck pain and stiffness caused by trigger points.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study with only 20 healthy adults, so results may not apply to people with actual neck pain. The effects measured are immediate only, with no long-term follow-up.
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
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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
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20 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Finished
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Oct 2025
- Lead sponsor
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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
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18 to 39 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide 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: * Healthy adults aged 18 to 39 years. * Presence of latent myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. * No history of neurological or orthopedic disorders within the past six months. * Willingness to participate and provision of written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Current or previous complaints of neck or shoulder pain. * Ongoing treatment for musculoskeletal conditions. * History of physical therapy or chiropractic treatment within the past six months. * History of surgery or trauma involving the head or upper trunk.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Kyungnam University
Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do, 51767, South Korea