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Non Specific Neck PainNCT07785219

Comparative Effects of Bowen Therapy and Myofascial Release Technique on Upper Trapezius Tightness in Patients With Non-specific Neck Pain

A study testing Group A ( Bowen therapy) and Group B ( Myofascial release therapy ) in people with Non Specific Neck Pain, run by University of Faisalabad at 1 site in Pakistan.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The randomized clinical trial was involved 32 participants with upper trapezius tightness in patients with non-specific neck pain. A randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Out Patient Department (OPD) of Madinah Teaching Hospital Faisalabad, Aziz Fatimah Hospital, Faisalabad and In motion physiotherapy rehab… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 20 to 35 years
Conditions the study is for
Non Specific Neck Pain
What is being tested?
Group A ( Bowen therapy) and Group B ( Myofascial release therapy )
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
32 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
22 Apr 2025to 15 Dec 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 20 to 35 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Patient aged between 20-35 years was included. Patients of both sexes(male-female) included . Patients with non-specific neck pain along with upper trapezius tightness which will be screened by upper trapezius length test.
  • Patients with duration of neck pain from last one month included . According to Numeric Pain Rating Scale, those patients included whose pain intensity lie between moderate-severe range.
  • Patients was be willing to give consent to participate.

Who cannot join

  • Diagnosed case of disc prolapse. Diagnosed spondylolisthesis case. Neck pain radiating into arms, upper extremity or any neurological impairment. Any diagnosed psychiatric condition. Any infection, wound or injury on neck or shoulder region. Any skin allergy or disease . History of recent trauma or surgery in neck/upper back area

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Pakistan1 site
  • OPD of Madinah Teaching Hospital, Aziz Fatimah Hospital and In motion physiotherapy rehab clinic, Faisalabad.

    Faisalābad, Punjab Province, 38000

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

The randomized clinical trial was involved 32 participants with upper trapezius tightness in patients with non-specific neck pain. A randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Out Patient Department (OPD) of Madinah Teaching Hospital Faisalabad, Aziz Fatimah Hospital, Faisalabad and In motion physiotherapy rehab clinic, Faisalabad. Simple random sampling technique was used. Sample size was 32 calculated by statistical software (Open Epi Tool). Participants was divided into 2 groups using random number generator method. Bowen therapy was given to group A (n=16) while myofascial release technique was given to group B (n=16).Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Universal goniometer and Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used to quantify pain, cervical range of motion and functional disability respectively.

Read the detailed description

Non-specific neck pain is linked with postural or mechanical factors like improper posture and work related activities with no neurological sign or traumatic condition. Upper trapezius (postural muscle) basically involved in neck pain. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of bowen therapy and myofascial release technique on upper trapezius tightness in patients with non-specific neck pain.One technique for mobilizing soft tissues is myofascial release. It uses manual traction and prolonged muscle and fascia stretching to break down adhesions which lessens pain and improve flexibility.Thus it is recommended that this method act as a catalyst to address trapezius problems One technique for mobilizing soft tissues is myofascial release. It uses manual traction and prolonged muscle and fascia stretching to break down adhesions which lessens pain and improve flexibility .Bowen therapy is a form of manual therapy that involves manipulating soft tissues. This technique involves precise sequences of gentle cross-fibrer movements across muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia with few grams of force which enhance circulation of blood, reduces pain and relieve psychological stress. Having no side effects due to it's gentle characteristics .A randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Out Patient Department (OPD) of Madinah Teaching Hospital Faisalabad, Aziz Fatimah Hospital, Faisalabad and In motion physiotherapy rehab clinic, Faisalabad. 20-35 years aged participants both male and female with non-specific neck pain along with trapezius tightness was included. Participants with neurological symptoms was excluded. Written and verbal consent was obtained from participants before including into study. Participants was divided into 2 groups using random number generator method. Bowen therapy was given to group A (n=16) while myofascial release technique was given to group B (n=16).Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Universal goniometer and Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used to quantify pain, cervical range of motion and functional disability respectively. IBM SPSS version 20 was used for statistically analysis of data.

Being tested
Group A ( Bowen therapy), Group B ( Myofascial release therapy )
Keywords
Non-specific neck pain, upper trapezius, bowen therapy, myofascial release technique

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Group A ( Bowen therapy)Other

    Both groups was received baseline treatment as:

    Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation(TENS) (a high frequency,100 Hz pulse length, 60 seconds, 10 minutes ) and moist hot pack (10 min) was given as a baseline treatment. Treatment session for 15-20 min that includes different body movements .2-3 repetitions of movements .Movements was repeated after 2 min rest interval.

  • Group B ( Myofascial release therapy )Other

    Both groups was received baseline treatment as:

    Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation(TENS) (a high frequency,100 Hz pulse length, 60 seconds, 10 minutes ) and moist hot pack (10 min) was given as a baseline treatment Patients was seated on stools while the therapist stood behind them.The base of neck or the upper scapular region was approached medially as pressure is applied using the forearm or the ulnar side of palm. The patient was instructed to maintain an upright posture while leaning sideways and turning their head in opposite direction throughout this gliding motion. 3-4 times this gliding technique was used .

Study groups in NCT07785219
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Group A ( Bowen therapy )ExperimentalTreatment session for 15-20 min . 2-3 repetitions of movements Movements was repeated after 2 min rest interval.
Receives: Other: Group A ( Bowen therapy)
Group B ( Myofascial Release Technique )Active comparatorPatients was seated on stools while the therapist stood behind them. The base of neck or the upper scapular region was approached medially as pressure is applied using the forearm or the ulnar side of palm. The patient was instructed to maintain an upright posture while leaning sideways and turning their head in opposite direction throughout this gliding motion. 3-4 times this gliding technique was used .
Receives: Other: Group B ( Myofascial release therapy )

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Non-specific neck pain

    The NPRS is a simple, 1-question tool used to measure a person's pain intensity. 0 to 100 = "No pain at all" 10 = "Worst pain imaginable".You can ask it for "pain at rest", "pain with activity", or "average pain over the last 24 hours" depending on what you need.

    Measured: At baseline ,At end of 2nd week,At end of 4th week

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Cervical Range of Motion Functional disability

    The universal goniometer is a handheld tool used to measure joint range of motion (ROM) in degrees .To assess improvement in mobility, document baseline, and track treatment effects.

    The NDI is a 10-item self-report questionnaire used to measure neck pain-related disability. Key points:10 sections: Pain intensity, Personal care, Lifting, Reading, Headaches, Concentration, Work, Driving, Sleeping Recreation Scoring: Each item 0-5. Total = 0-50

    Measured: At baseline ,At end of 2nd week ,At end of 4th week

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted25 Aug 2026
  2. Study start22 Apr 2025
  3. Primary completion15 Nov 2025
  4. Study completion15 Dec 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
A randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Out Patient Department (OPD) of Madinah Teaching Hospital Faisalabad, Aziz Fatimah Hospital, Faisalabad and In motion physiotherapy rehab clinic, Faisalabad. Simple random sampling technique was used. Sample size was 32 calculated by statistical software (Open Epi Tool). 20-35 years aged participants both male and female with non-specific neck pain along with trapezius tightness was included. Participants with neurological symptoms was excluded. Participants was divided into 2 groups using random number generator method. Bowen therapy was given to group A (n=16) while myofascial release technique was given to group B (n=16).Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Universal goniometer and Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used to quantify pain, cervical range of motion and functional disability respectively. IBM SPSS version 20 was used for statistically analysis of data.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
32 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07785219
Sponsor's protocol ID
TUF/IRB/90/2025
Status last verified
Dec 2025
First submitted
20 Aug 2026
Last updated
25 Aug 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Lee K, Lewis GN. Short term relief of multisite chronicpain with Bowen Therapy: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2020 Oct;24(4):271-279. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.06.025. Epub 2020 Jul 30.

    PubMed 33218522
  • Kazeminasab S, Nejadghaderi SA, Amiri P, Pourfathi H, Araj-Khodaei M, Sullman MJM, Kolahi AA, Safiri S. Neck pain: global epidemiology, trends and risk factors. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2022 Jan 3;23(1):26. doi: 10.1186/s12891-021-04957-4.

    PubMed 34980079
  • Hoy DG, Protani M, De R, Buchbinder R. The epidemiology of neck pain. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2010 Dec;24(6):783-92. doi: 10.1016/j.berh.2011.01.019.

    PubMed 21665126
  • Hidalgo B, Hall T, Bossert J, Dugeny A, Cagnie B, Pitance L. The efficacy of manual therapy and exercise for treating non-specific neck pain: A systematic review. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2017 Nov 6;30(6):1149-1169. doi: 10.3233/BMR-169615.

    PubMed 28826164
  • Brandt M, Sundstrup E, Jakobsen MD, Jay K, Colado JC, Wang Y, Zebis MK, Andersen LL. Association between Neck/Shoulder Pain and Trapezius Muscle Tenderness in Office Workers. Pain Res Treat. 2014;2014:352735. doi: 10.1155/2014/352735. Epub 2014 Mar 27.

    PubMed 24800070
  • Batool K, Mehmood M, Jafar M, Gull M. Comparative efficacy of muscle energy technique and Bowen technique on hamstrings muscle tightness in chronic low back pain patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2024 Oct;40(9):2080-2084. doi: 10.12669/pjms.40.9.8517.

    PubMed 39416609
  • Amjad F, Khalid A. Comparative effects of Bowen therapy and tennis ball technique on pain and functional disability in patients with thoracic myofascial pain syndrome. J Orthop Surg Res. 2023 Nov 24;18(1):895. doi: 10.1186/s13018-023-04379-z.

    PubMed 37996838

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Group A ( Bowen therapy) and Group B ( Myofascial release therapy ) in people with Non Specific Neck Pain, run by University of Faisalabad at 1 site in Pakistan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Non-specific neck pain (time frame: At baseline ,At end of 2nd week,At end of 4th week). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07785219, which also lists 7 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Aug 2026.

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