Effects of Myofascial Release Versus Dry Cupping on Pain, Muscle Length, and Functional Disability in IT Professionals With Trapezitis.

NCT07731763 | Not Yet Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: UBAS/ERB/26/04/031
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 52
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two physiotherapy techniques-Myofascial Release and Dry Cupping-in improving pain, muscle length, and functional disability in IT professionals with trapezitis. Trapezitis is a common musculoskeletal condition caused by prolonged static postures and repetitive strain, leading to neck and shoulder pain, reduced muscle flexibility, and functional limitations that affect daily activities and work performance. Although both myofascial release and dry cupping are commonly used in clinical practice, limited evidence exists comparing their effectiveness in this population. Participants diagnosed with trapezitis will be randomized into two groups: Group 1 will receive myofascial release along with routine physical therapy, and Group 2 will receive dry cupping therapy along with routine physical therapy. The interventions will be administered multiple times per week over a specified duration, and participants will be assessed before and after treatment. Outcome measures will include pain intensity using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), muscle length of the upper trapezius, and functional disability using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). The study will compare the effects of both interventions, focusing on pain reduction, improvement in muscle flexibility, and enhancement of functional ability. The findings may help in identifying the more effective treatment approach and contribute to improved management strategies for trapezitis among IT professionals.

Conditions

Trapezitis

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Numeric Pain Rating scale

  Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), a unidimensional self-reported measure widely used in musculoskeletal and neck pain research. The NPRS consists of an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Participants will be asked to rate their current level of neck or upper trapezius pain at rest. The NPRS has demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.95-0.96), strong construct validity, and high responsiveness for detecting clinically meaningful changes in individuals with neck pain. A change of 2 points or 30% reduction is considered the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in musculoskeletal conditions. Due to its simplicity, sensitivity, and minimal respondent burden, the NPRS is recommended for use in clinical trials involving neck and trapezius pain.

  4 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Muscle Length

  4 weeks

Other Outcomes (1)

• Neck Disability Index

  4 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Group A: Myofascial Release

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in Group A (Myofascial Release) will receive a standardized intervention targeting the upper trapezius and related fascial structures.Each session will last about 20 minutes and be conducted by a trained physiotherapist.Participants will be positioned in sitting or supine with the cervical spine in neutral to promote relaxation.The therapist will palpate to identify areas of increased tone, fascial restriction, and trigger points. Treatment includes slow, sustained pressure, cross-hand fascial stretching, and longitudinal gliding along muscle fibers.Pressure will be applied gradually and maintained for 90-120 seconds or until tissue resistance decreases, with intensity kept low to moderate based on tolerance, ensuring only mild discomfort. Sessions will be performed three times per week following the FITT principle.This protocol is supported by clinical evidence showing improvements in pain, muscle flexibility, and function in patients with upper trapezius myofascial pain

Other: Myofascial Release

Group 2: Dry Cupping

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in Group B (Dry Cupping Therapy) will receive stationary dry cupping on the upper trapezius for 10-12 minutes per session. Skin will be examined beforehand to exclude contraindications such as wounds or infections. Participants will be positioned seated or prone. Cups will be applied to tender, hypertonic areas identified through palpation, and moderate suction will be created manually. Cups will remain stationary, with suction adjusted based on tolerance and skin response. Sessions will be conducted 2-3 times per week for four weeks. This intervention aims to improve circulation, reduce tissue stiffness, and decrease pain. No co-interventions, including manual therapy, stretching, electrotherapy, or medications, will be allowed; any drug use will be recorded. Outcomes (pain, muscle length, disability) will be assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and at 2-week follow-up to evaluate short-term effects.

Other: Dry Cupping

Interventions

Myofascial Release OTHER

Myofascial Release (MFR) is a manual therapy targeting fascial restrictions and trigger points in the upper trapezius. In this study, it involves slow, sustained pressure, stretching, and gliding techniques to restore tissue mobility and reduce muscle tension. Unlike dry cupping, which uses negative pressure and acts more superficially, MFR directly engages deeper fascial layers through therapist-guided contact, allowing precise identification and treatment of restrictions. For IT professionals with trapezitis, prolonged postures lead to tightness, reduced muscle length, and disability. MFR applies pressure for 90-120 seconds to achieve fascial relaxation, improve circulation, and enhance muscle extensibility. This results in reduced pain and improved function. Its individualized, feedback-based approach distinguishes it from the more passive application of dry cupping, making it effective for addressing underlying dysfunction.

Group A: Myofascial Release

Dry Cupping OTHER

Dry cupping therapy is a non-invasive technique that uses negative pressure to lift the skin and superficial tissues over the upper trapezius. In this study, cups are applied to tender, hypertonic areas to improve blood flow, reduce stiffness, and relieve pain. Unlike Myofascial Release, which uses direct manual pressure and deep fascial manipulation, dry cupping works indirectly through suction without continuous therapist contact. In IT professionals with trapezitis, prolonged postures lead to tightness and discomfort. Dry cupping enhances microcirculation, reduces nociceptive input, and supports tissue relaxation, resulting in pain relief and functional improvement. Suction intensity is adjusted based on tolerance and skin response. Its passive, suction-based mechanism distinguishes it from the active, hands-on approach of Myofascial Release.

Also known as: Cupping Therapy

Group 2: Dry Cupping

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 25 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• IT professionals aged 20-65 years diagnosed with trapezitis (upper trapezius myofascial pain) characterized by pain and tenderness in the upper trapezius region for at least 4 weeks. Participants must have a pain intensity of ≥3 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), exhibit restricted cervical range of motion or reduced upper trapezius muscle length as assessed using a goniometer. Functional disability must be present as indicated by a Neck Disability Index (NDI) score within the mild to moderate range (e.g., 10-28%), and be engaged in computer-based work for a minimum of 6 hours per day. Both male and female participants who provide informed consent will be included.

You may not qualify if:

• Individuals with a history of cervical spine pathology including disc herniation, radiculopathy, or spondylosis with neurological involvement; previous trauma or surgery involving the cervical spine, shoulder girdle, or upper thoracic region; presence of symptomatic or inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia); neurological disorders affecting the upper limb or cervical region (e.g., peripheral neuropathy, myelopathy); skin conditions or contraindications to cupping therapy (e.g., open wounds, active infections, eczema, psoriasis); bleeding disorders or current anticoagulant therapy; pregnancy; and inability to comply with the treatment protocol or follow-up assessments will be excluded.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences: lead

Study Sites (1)

Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

Lahore, Punjab Province, 53400, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Myofascial Release Therapy; Cupping Therapy

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Massage; Therapy, Soft Tissue; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Complementary Therapies; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Rehabilitation

Central Study Contacts

Syeda Zaira Haider Kazmi, DPT

CONTACT

03344068521; syedazairahaiderkazmi@gmail.com

Dr. Tariq Shafi, OMPT

CONTACT

03454190056; muhammad.tariq@ubas.edu.pk

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 23, 2026
• First Posted: July 28, 2026
• Study Start: July 29, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): August 30, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): September 30, 2026
• Last Updated: July 28, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)