Effectiveness of a Massage Instrument Compared to Placebo for Upper Trapezius Muscle Pain

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Myofascial Pain Syndrome
• Interventions: Other: Placebo electric point stimulation; Device: FascialEdge instrument

• Registration Number: NCT01167036
• Lead Sponsor: Anglo-European College of Chiropractic

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study was to determine if using a specialized massage tool was more effective than a placebo treatment in relieving pain in the upper trapezius muscle along the top of the shoulder.

Detailed Description

The purpose of the study was to determine if a statistically significant and clinically meaningful difference exits between the FascialEdge tool and placebo in the treatment of latent upper trapezius trigger points.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2009-08
• Study Start: 2009-09
• Primary Completion: 2010-01
• Study Completion: 2010-01
• Study First Submitted: 2010-07-20
• Study First Submitted QC: 2010-07-21
• Last Update Submitted: 2010-07-21
• Study First Posted: 2010-07-22
• Last Update Posted: 2010-07-22

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 50

Inclusion Criteria

• male or female
• between 18-64 years of age
• a latent trigger point of the upper trapezius muscle

Exclusion Criteria

• an active trigger point of the upper trapezius muscle
• rash or infection of the skin over the trigger point
• neck pain
• taking anticoagulant drugs
• spontaneous bleeding
• long term corticosteroid use

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Placebo	Placebo electric point stimulation	Detuned electric point stimulation over the upper trapezius trigger point
FascialEdge tool	FascialEdge instrument	A massage tool used to loosen adhesions in the superficial fascia

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Pressure pain threshold over the upper trapezius muscles as determined with a pressure pain algometer	Within five minutes after initial and only treatment

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Anglo-European College of Chiropractic; 🇬🇧 Bournemouth, Dorset, United Kingdom