Effects of Connective Tissue Massage and Physical Modalities Combined With Stabilization Exercises in Chronic Neck Pain
Comparative Effects of Connective Tissue Massage and Physical Modalities Added to Cervical and Scapulothoracic Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Function, and Endurance in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain
Fenerbahce University
27 participants
Sep 12, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Summary
This randomized, double-blinded controlled trial aims to investigate the comparative effects of connective tissue massage and physical modalities, when combined with cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization exercises, in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain. A total of 51 participants aged 18-65 years will be randomly assigned into three groups. Group 1 will perform stabilization exercises alone, Group 2 will receive stabilization exercises plus connective tissue massage, and Group 3 will receive stabilization exercises plus electrotherapy modalities (infrared, continuous ultrasound, and TENS). The interventions will be conducted twice weekly for 8 weeks, and participants will also perform home-based exercises daily. Primary outcomes include pain, disability, and endurance, while secondary outcomes focus on quality of life, cervical range of motion, and scapular function.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria3
- Being between 18 and 65 years of age,
- Having non-specific chronic neck pain localized to the posterior cervical spine between the occipital region and the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra,
- Being able to cooperate with the assessments to be performed in the study.
Exclusion Criteria9
- Neck pain resulting from trauma within the past 6 months;
- A history of surgery related to cervical problems;
- Clinical signs of cervical radiculopathy and/or myelopathy;
- Inflammatory arthritis involving the cervical spine;
- Tumors or infections of the cervical spine;
- Vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency;
- Neurological disorders (such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or syringomyelia);
- Congenital anomalies affecting the spine; systemic diseases (such as diabetes mellitus);
- Shoulder pathologies (including tendinitis, bursitis, or capsulitis).
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Interventions
Each exercise session lasts 50 minutes, consisting of a 10-minute warm-up, 30 minutes of stabilization exercises, and a 10-minute cool-down. Stabilization exercises are selected from an exercise pool according to the individual's needs, with progression ensuring throughout the program. The exercises will be administered face-to-face twice a week for eight weeks, and participants will be provided with illustrated brochures and instructed to perform a one-hour home exercise program daily.
Connective tissue massage will be applied, starting from the basic regions and gradually incorporating other regions.
Infrared therapy will be applied for 20 minutes
Continuous ultrasound will be applied to the right and left sides for 7 minutes each at an intensity of 2 W/cm².
20 minutes of conventional TENS will be administered to the painful area.
Locations(1)
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NCT07150143