This study compares two manual therapy techniques for treating tension neck syndrome: Graston Technique and Manual Soft Tissue Release. Tension neck syndrome causes neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Participants will be assigned to receive either Graston Technique or Manual Soft Tissue Release for a set number of sessions. Researchers will measure changes in neck pain and range of motion before and after treatment to see which technique is more effective. The purpose is to provide evidence on the best manual therapy approach for improving neck pain and movement in patients with tension neck syndrome.
Tension neck syndrome is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by neck pain, muscle tightness, and limited cervical range of motion. Manual therapy interventions such as Graston Technique and Manual Soft Tissue Release are widely used in physiotherapy practice, but direct comparative evidence between them is limited. This interventional study aims to compare the effects of Graston Technique versus Manual Soft Tissue Release on pain intensity and cervical range of motion in patients diagnosed with tension neck syndrome. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups. Group 1 will receive Graston Technique, and Group 2 will receive Manual Soft Tissue Release. Both interventions will be delivered by qualified physiotherapists according to a standardized protocol. Outcomes including pain, measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and cervical range of motion, measured by goniometry, will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The study will help determine which technique provides greater improvement in pain reduction and functional mobility, guiding clinical decision-making in the management of tension neck syndrome.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
40
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization using stainless steel Graston Technique instruments. The technique is applied to the cervical spine and upper trapezius muscles to reduce pain and improve range of motion in patients with tension neck syndrome. Treatment is delivered by a licensed physiotherapist according to the study protocol.
Manual soft tissue mobilization technique performed by a licensed physiotherapist using hands-on pressure and stretching. The technique targets tightness in the cervical spine and upper trapezius muscles to reduce pain and improve cervical range of motion in patients with tension neck syndrome. Treatment is delivered according to the study protocol.
Rafique Bhatti Memorial Hospital, Department of Physiotherapy
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Change in Neck Pain Intensity
Neck pain intensity measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), where 0 = no pain and 10 = worst pain imaginable. Higher scores indicate greater pain.
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention
Change in Cervical Range of Motion
Cervical range of motion for flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation measured in degrees using a goniometer. Higher values indicate greater range of motion.
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention
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