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

NCT07731763 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 52

Last updated 2026-07-28

No results posted yet for this study

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

Interventions

OTHER

Myofascial Release

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.

OTHER

Dry Cupping

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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
25 Years
Max Age
65 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-07-29
Primary Completion
2026-08-30
Completion
2026-09-30

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 NCT07731763 on ClinicalTrials.gov