Neck pain showdown: which therapy works better?
NCT ID NCT07260019
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compares two hands-on treatments—IASTM (using tools to massage muscles) and dry cupping (using suction cups)—for people with chronic neck pain from trigger points. 75 adults aged 20-50 will receive standard care (heat, TENS, exercises) plus one of these therapies for 4 weeks. The goal is to see which approach reduces pain and improves neck movement better.
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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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About 75 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Dec 2025
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- 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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20 to 50 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Participants aged 20 to 50. 2. Diagnosis of chronic non-specific neck pain (\> 4 weeks duration). 3. Had an active upper trapezius TrP (defined as a tender nodule in a taut band that referred pain in a pattern specific for upper trapezius TrP1 or TrP2). 4. Pain of at least 40 mm on a visual analogue scale (VAS). 5. Body mass index from 18 - 30 kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: 1. Participants who will exhibit signs of fibromyalgia syndrome. 2. Participants with a specific neck pain such as cervical radiculopathy with neurological deficits (e.g., motor weakness, significant sensory loss), cervical instability, fracture, tumor, infection, or inflammatory arthropathies. 3. Sensory problems in the upper or midback regions, heart/circulation problems. 4. Participants who will have vascular syndromes such as vertebrobasilar insufficiency. 5. Participants with skin lesions, fragile skin, or a history of bleeding disorders.
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As listed by the trial registrant
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How to take part
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The official record
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A doctor treating you
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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