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Emmett Technique Versus Bowen Technique for Upper Trapezius Myofascial Pain Syndrome

NCT07767747 · Status: ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 46

Last updated 2026-08-21

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This randomized clinical trial compares the Emmett Technique and Bowen Therapy for patients with upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome, focusing on their effects on pain, cervical range of motion, and functional disability. The study includes 46 participants, randomly allocated into two groups of 23: Group A receives the Emmett Technique with conventional physiotherapy, while Group B receives Bowen Therapy with conventional physiotherapy. Outcomes are assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Universal Goniometer before and after treatment. The study aims to determine which manual therapy provides greater improvement in pain reduction, cervical mobility, and functional ability.

Conditions

  • Myofascial Pain Syndrome (Upper Trapezius)

Interventions

OTHER

Group A = Emmett Technique with conventional physiotherapy

The Emmett Technique is a gentle manual therapy approach developed by Ross Emmett. It involves applying light, precise pressure to specific points on the body, known as EMMETT points, where sensory and muscular receptors are thought to interact. In this study, mild pressure is applied to the selected points for approximately 5-20 seconds and repeated three times at the same point. The first application is used to assess the tissue response, the second aims to produce the therapeutic effect, and the third reassesses whether the desired change has occurred. The technique is intended to help reduce pain, improve movement, promote myofascial release, enhance muscle function, and improve overall mobility.

OTHER

Group B = Bowen Technique with conventional physiotherapy

The Bowen Technique (Bowen Therapy) is a gentle, non-invasive manual therapy approach developed by Thomas Bowen. It involves performing light cross-fibre rolling movements over muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments, with minimal pressure applied to the tissues. In this study, the technique is applied over the upper trapezius and adjacent cervical region, with approximately 2-minute pauses between sets of Bowen moves to allow the body to respond to the stimulation

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University of Management and Technology Sialkot Pakistan

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Hamza Zahid · University of Management and Technology Sialkot Pakistan

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

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

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-08-01
Primary Completion
2026-08-30
Completion
2026-08-30

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 NCT07767747 on ClinicalTrials.gov