Neck pain showdown: which therapy wins?
NCT ID NCT07169084
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This completed study tested two different rehabilitation approaches for chronic neck pain: manual therapy (hands-on mobilization) and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (using tools). Twenty-four adults with neck pain lasting at least 12 weeks received treatment three times a week for four weeks. Researchers measured pain, neck function, muscle endurance, and range of motion to see which approach works better.
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 and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show which hands-on therapy works better for easing chronic neck pain and improving daily function.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, completed trial with only 24 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It compares two existing therapies, not a new breakthrough.
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
-
24 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Sep 2025
- Finished
-
Dec 2025
- 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 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: * Age between 18-40 years * Diagnosis of chronic neck pain (≥12 weeks duration) * Pain intensity ≥ 3 cm on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) * Voluntary participation and signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Previous cervical spine surgery * History of acute trauma, fracture, or dislocation in the cervical region * Presence of neurological deficit, inflammatory disease, or systemic rheumatic condition * Malignancy, severe cardiovascular or neurological disorder * Participation in a similar treatment program within the past 6 months * Current use of corticosteroids
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Neck pain musculoskeletal are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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
Locations
-
Istanbul Atlas University
Kâğıthane, Istanbul, 34408, Turkey (Türkiye)
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can Weight-Loss surgery ease a pain in the neck?
- Phone nudges may beat ergonomic advice for office neck pain
- Can Hands-On therapy beat home exercises for jaw pain?
- Can Hands-On therapy or targeted exercise ease headaches from the neck?
- Brain waves may hold key to neck pain relief
- Neck crack science: ultrasound reveals lasting tissue changes after spinal adjustment