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Strain Counterstrain Versus Graston Technique for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

NCT07589933 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 60

Last updated 2026-05-15

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This clinical trial compares the effects of Strain Counterstrain technique versus Graston Technique on pain and range of motion in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Adults with patellofemoral pain syndrome were included in this study. A total of 60 participants were divided into two groups with 30 patients in each group.

One group received Strain Counterstrain technique and the other group received Graston Technique. Pain was assessed using the Kujala Scoring System and functional status was measured using a substructural questionnaire. Range of motion was also evaluated before and after treatment.

The main goal of this study is to determine which technique is more effective in reducing pain and improving knee function in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Conditions

  • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Strain Counterstrain

Strain Counterstrain is a manual therapy technique that involves identifying tender points in muscles and fascia. The therapist passively positions the patient's body to a position of comfort that reduces or eliminates the tenderness. This position is held for 90 seconds to allow neuromuscular reset, followed by slow return to neutral. The technique aims to reduce muscle spasm, normalize proprioceptive activity, and decrease pain in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Sessions were administered 3 times per week for 12 weeks.

PROCEDURE

Graston Technique

Graston Technique is an evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). It uses six specialized stainless steel instruments to scan, detect, and treat soft tissue lesions, scar tissue, and fascial restrictions. The instruments are used by trained clinicians to apply controlled microtrauma to affected areas around the knee, promoting tissue healing and remodeling. The goal is to break down adhesions, reduce pain, and improve range of motion and function in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Sessions were administered 3 times per week for 12 weeks.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Sir Ganga Ram Hospital

    collaborator OTHER

  • Green International University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
45 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-11-02
Primary Completion
2026-04-29
Completion
2026-05-05

Countries

  • Pakistan

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07589933 on ClinicalTrials.gov