Comparative Effectiveness of Dry Cupping and Graston Techniques in Scapulocostal Syndrome.

Not Applicable

• Conditions: Scapulocostal Syndrome

• Registration Number: NCT07102355
• Lead Sponsor: University of Management and Technology Sialkot Pakistan

Brief Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to check the comparative effectiveness of Graston Techniques and Dry cupping in Office Workers with Scapulocostal syndrome. The main questions it aims to answer are:

1. To evaluate the relative effectiveness of dry cupping and the Graston technique.

2. How well each technique reduces symptoms and enhances work productivity and functional outcomes.

3. To assess whether integrating either Graston Technique or Dry Cupping provides more beneficial effects than conventional treatment alone.

1) Be divided into 2 Groups (Group A= Dry Cupping; B: Graston Techniques) 2) get the treatment for 4 weeks (3 days a week). 3) Receive the same conventional treatment.

Detailed Description

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Graston and Dry cupping in treating Scapulocostal syndrome in office workers, focusing on specific outcomes like pain severity, functional outcomes, and work productivity.

This study will be a randomized clinical trial with a sample size of 46 participants with work-related SCS. The participants will be obtained by non-probability convenient sampling based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups, with 23 subjects in each group. Group A will receive dry cupping along with conventional therapy while Group B will receive IASTM along with conventional therapy.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2024-10-01
• Study First Submitted: 2024-11-18
• Primary Completion: 2025-01-25
• Status Verified: 2025-07
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-07-31
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-07-31
• Study First Posted: 2025-08-03
• Last Update Posted: 2025-08-03
• Study Completion: 2025-09-13

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 46

Inclusion Criteria

1. 18-30 age group
2. Males and females
3. Office Workers.
4. Subjects that have symptoms of musculoskeletal nature (
5. Subjects with pain lasting for longer than 3 months (

Exclusion Criteria

1. Subjects with underlying pathology such as TOS, brachial neuralgia, cervical radiculopathy, polymyositis or Fibro myositis
2. Subjects with systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis
3. Subjects with the presence of any fractures
4. Heart/diabetic patients
5. Pregnant women

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change From Baseline in Pain Intensity as Measured by the Visual Analog Scale	4 Weeks	Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a 100 mm horizontal line anchored by two extremes: 0 mm represents "no pain" and 100 mm represents "worst imaginable pain." Participants will mark the point that best represents their pain intensity. The score is the distance in millimeters from the left end to the mark. Change in pain intensity will be calculated by subtracting the Week 4 score from the baseline score. A decrease in VAS score indicates an improvement in pain levels.
Cervical Range of Motion (ROM)	4 weeks	Cervical spine Range of Motion (ROM) will be assessed and measured using a universal goniometer by utilizing moving and stationary arm of angles in cervical spine range of motion..

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Neck Disability Index (NDI) Total Score	4 Weeks	The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a validated 10-item questionnaire assessing neck-specific disability. Each item is scored from 0 to 5, resulting in a total score range of 0 to 50. Higher scores indicate greater disability. The change in total NDI score from baseline to Week 4 will be calculated. A decrease in score indicates clinical improvement.
Treatment-Related Adverse Events During the 4-Week Intervention	4 weeks	Treatment-related adverse events (AEs), such as skin irritation, bruising, or discomfort, will be recorded throughout the study. The number of participants experiencing at least one AE will be counted. All AEs will be assessed for severity and relatedness to the intervention.

Trial Locations

Locations (3)

Bethania Hospital Sialkot; 🇵🇰 Sialkot, Punjab, Pakistan

Bethania Hospital; 🇵🇰 Sialkot, Pakistan

University of Management and technology Sialkot Campus; 🇵🇰 Sialkot, Pakistan