Can massage tools beat Hands-On therapy for stubborn neck pain?
NCT ID NCT07694882
First seen Jul 10, 2026 · Last updated Jul 15, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study tests whether adding manual (hands-on) or self-applied myofascial release (using balls and massage sticks) to standard care—heat, TENS, and exercise—improves pain and function in people with chronic non-specific neck pain. Participants aged 18 to 45 with neck pain lasting at least 3 months will be assigned to one of three groups for 6 weeks of treatment. The goal is to see if these release techniques offer extra relief beyond exercise alone.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- myofascial release (manual or self-applied with balls and massage stick)
- What this could lead to
- If effective, these techniques could offer a simple, low-cost addition to exercise therapy for reducing chronic neck pain and improving daily function.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, single-center trial with no blinding, so results may not apply broadly. The added benefit of myofascial release over exercise alone may be small or absent.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CHRONIC NECK PAIN are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Study contacts
-
Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
-
Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
-
Eastern Mediterranean University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Healthy Living Center (SAYMER), Orthopedic Rehabilitation Unit
RECRUITINGFamagusta, Hatay, 99628, Cyprus
Contact
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Pilates-Inspired contrology put to the test for chronic neck pain
- Kratom patch could ease stubborn neck pain without pills
- Could your gums be causing your neck pain? scientists investigate
- Gentle muscle tricks may unlock better neck pain relief
- Brain-to-Spine signal speed may hold key to chronic neck pain
- Hands-On or electrotherapy? trial tests two approaches for stubborn neck pain