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

July 23, 2026 updated by: Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

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

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.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

Trapezitis is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder, particularly among IT professionals who are exposed to prolonged computer use, poor ergonomics, and sustained static postures. It primarily affects the upper trapezius muscle and is characterized by pain, muscle tightness, reduced flexibility, and functional disability. These symptoms can interfere with occupational performance, decrease productivity, and negatively impact quality of life. Conservative physiotherapy interventions play a key role in the management of trapezitis. Among these, Myofascial Release (MFR) and Dry Cupping therapy are widely used techniques. Myofascial Release is a manual therapy approach that targets fascial restrictions to improve tissue mobility, reduce pain, and restore muscle length. Dry Cupping, on the other hand, involves the application of suction cups to the skin to enhance blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote healing. Despite their clinical use, there is limited comparative evidence regarding their effectiveness in managing trapezitis. This study aims to compare the effects of Myofascial Release and Dry Cupping on pain intensity, muscle length, and functional disability in IT professionals with trapezitis. Intervention Strategies: Myofascial Release: This technique involves the application of sustained manual pressure to the upper trapezius muscle and surrounding fascia to release restrictions, improve circulation, and enhance tissue extensibility. It aims to reduce pain and restore normal muscle function. Dry Cupping Therapy: This technique involves placing suction cups on the skin over the upper trapezius region to create negative pressure. This promotes increased blood flow, reduces muscle stiffness, and facilitates pain relief. Study Design and Groups: This randomized controlled trial will include IT professionals diagnosed with trapezitis who meet the inclusion criteria. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups: Group 1 (Experimental Group): Myofascial Release combined with routine physical therapy. Group 2 (Control Group): Dry Cupping Therapy combined with routine physical therapy. The interventions will be conducted several times per week over a defined treatment period (e.g., 4-6 weeks). Each session will be supervised by trained physiotherapists. Outcome Measures: The primary outcomes of the study will include: Pain intensity measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Muscle length of the upper trapezius assessed through standardized measurement techniques, and Functional disability measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Assessments will be conducted at baseline and post-intervention (and mid-intervention if applicable). Data Collection and Analysis: Data will be collected at different time points to evaluate changes in pain, muscle length, and functional disability. Statistical analysis will be performed using appropriate methods such as paired t-tests, independent t-tests, or ANOVA to compare within-group and between-group differences. Safety and Ethics: This study will be conducted following approval from the institutional ethical review board. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to enrollment. All procedures will be carried out by qualified physiotherapists to ensure safety. Potential risks are minimal and may include temporary discomfort, mild soreness, or skin irritation in the case of cupping therapy. Participants will be monitored throughout the intervention period, and any adverse effects will be addressed promptly. Confidentiality of participant data will be strictly maintained, and participation will be voluntary. Significance and Potential Impact: This study has the potential to provide valuable evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of Myofascial Release and Dry Cupping in managing trapezitis among IT professionals. The findings may assist clinicians in selecting the most appropriate intervention for reducing pain, improving muscle flexibility, and enhancing functional outcomes. Additionally, it may contribute to the development of evidence-based rehabilitation protocols for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusion: By comparing Myofascial Release with Dry Cupping therapy, this study aims to identify the more effective treatment approach for improving pain, muscle length, and functional disability in IT professionals with trapezitis. The results may support better clinical decision-making and improve rehabilitation outcomes in this population.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
52

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Study Contact Backup

Study Locations

  • Pakistan
    • Punjab Province
      • Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan, 53400
        • Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

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.

Exclusion Criteria:

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.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: Group A: Myofascial Release
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

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.
Experimental: Group 2: Dry Cupping
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

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.

Other Names:
  • Cupping Therapy

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Numeric Pain Rating scale
Time Frame: 4 weeks

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 Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Muscle Length
Time Frame: 4 weeks

Upper trapezius muscle length will be assessed using a standardized tape-measure method during controlled cervical side-flexion with contralateral rotation. Measurements will be taken by recording the linear distance between fixed anatomical landmarks, from the mastoid process to the acromion, while maintaining consistent posture and head positioning. Participants will be seated upright with thoracic support, and compensatory trunk movements will be avoided.

Assessments will be conducted at baseline, mid-intervention (end of week 2), and post-intervention (after 4 weeks) to evaluate short-term and progressive changes in muscle extensibility. This method is reliable, practical, and cost-effective for assessing superficial muscle length, particularly in the upper trapezius. With standardized positioning and consistent landmark identification, it shows good intra-rater reliability and sensitivity to change following interventions, enabling objective comparison between treatment groups.
4 weeks

Other Outcome Measures

Other Outcome Measures

For clinical trials, a planned measurement described in the protocol that is used to determine the effect of an intervention/treatment on participants. For observational studies, a measurement or observation that is used to describe patterns of diseases or traits, or associations with exposures, risk factors, or treatment. Types of outcome measures include primary outcome measure and secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Neck Disability Index
Time Frame: 4 weeks

Functional disability will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), a validated questionnaire for evaluating self-reported disability related to neck pain. It includes 10 items covering pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, work, concentration, headaches, driving, sleeping, and recreational activities. Each item is scored from 0 to 5, with a total score out of 50, often expressed as a percentage to indicate disability level.

The NDI will be administered at baseline, mid-intervention (2 weeks), and post-intervention (4 weeks) to monitor changes and treatment progression. It demonstrates high internal consistency, strong reliability, and validity in neck pain populations, including occupational groups. Its responsiveness to physiotherapy outcomes and relevance to work-related limitations make it a reliable tool for assessing functional disability in IT professionals with trapezitis.
4 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
July 29, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
August 30, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
September 30, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
July 23, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
July 23, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
July 28, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
July 28, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
July 23, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
July 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • UBAS/ERB/26/04/031

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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