Active Release Versus Strain-Counter-strain Technique in Patients With Non-Specific Neck Pain

Launched by RIPHAH INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY · Jun 11, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two different treatments for people who have non-specific neck pain, which means neck pain without a clear cause. The trial aims to find out which treatment—Active Release Technique or Strain-Counterstrain—is better at reducing pain, improving neck movement, and helping with daily activities affected by neck pain. Both groups will also receive some common care like warm packs and gentle neck exercises. The study will take place at Safi Teaching Hospital in Pakistan and will last for four weeks.

People who might join the trial are men or women between 18 and 45 years old who have had neck pain for at least two months, with specific muscle tightness and pain points in their neck area. To be eligible, they should not have serious neck issues, nerve problems, or recent treatments like trigger point injections. If selected, participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups and will have their pain levels, neck movement, and ability to do daily tasks measured before and after the treatment. This study hopes to help doctors understand which therapy works best to ease neck pain and improve quality of life.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 18-45 years
• • Both male and female
• • Patients with neck pain for at least 2 months
• • Palpable taut bands in upper trapezius, SCM
• • ATrPs in upper trapezius, levator scapulae, SCM
• • NPRS score is \>3/10 on NPRS for neck region
• • Individuals with a Craniovertebral angle less than 53
• • Individuals having grade 2 severity of neck pain according to KNGF Guidelines
• • Localized pain/stiffness in cervical spine (C3-C7) without upper limb radiculopathy
• • Diagnostic Tests: Negative Spurling's test, upper limb tension test, and shoulder abduction test
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Myofascial treatment in the preceding month
• • Diagnosis of fibromyalgia
• • Congenital problems
• • Trigger point injections
• • Individuals with KNGF Clinical Practice Guideline Grade III and IV severity of neck pain
• • Respiratory disease and joint disease
• • Neurological deficit