Effects of Myofascial Trigger Point Release Versus Neil Asher Technique Oin Patients With Rotator Cuff Syndrome
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Myofascial Trigger Point Release (MFTR)+ conservative physiotherapy Group, Neil Asher Technique (NAT) + conservative physiotherapy Group.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Rotator Cuff Syndrome. Basic parameters: 40 years — 60 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Pakistan
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Effects of Myofascial Trigger Point Release Versus Neil Asher Technique on Pain, Range of Motion, and Disability in Patients With Rotator Cuff Syndrome
Overview
Rotator cuff syndrome is a common cause of shoulder pain and functional limitation, often associated with myofascial trigger points. Myofascial Trigger Point Release (MFTR) and the Neil Asher Technique (NAT) are manual therapies aimed at reducing pain and improving mobility. This study compares their effects on pain, range of motion, and disability in individuals with rotator cuff syndrome.
Detailed description
This will be a randomized Clinical trial conducted on 36 participants. Data will be collected from Jinnah hospital and The University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore by using non-probability convenience sampling technique. Adults aged 40 to 60 years with non-surgical rotator cuff-related shoulder pain, confirmed by positive Neer's or Hawkins-Kennedy tests and experiencing symptoms for more than four weeks, will be included in this study. Individuals with cardiac conditions, pregnancy, trauma-related shoulder injuries, or a history of shoulder surgery will be excluded. Group A will receive Myofascial Trigger Point Release (MFTR) along with conservative physiotherapy, while Group B will receive the Neil Asher Technique (NAT) combined with conservative physiotherapy. Each session will last 35 minutes-20 minutes for the primary intervention and 15 minutes for conventional therapy-administered four times per week for four weeks. Pre- and post-treatment evaluations will include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), range of motion (using a Universal Goniometer), and disability (measured via SPADI). Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 27.0.
Interventions
- Other Myofascial Trigger Point Release (MFTR)+ conservative physiotherapy Group
lateral border of the scapula, just below the infraspinatus. • Compression is followed by horizontal abduction and external rotation to stretch the muscle. Ischemic Compression: Each active trigger point is treated with 2 sets of deep pressure, applied using the therapist's fingers, thumb, or elbow. Duration: Each compression lasts 20-30 seconds, gradually increasing pressure to the patient's tolerance. Post-Compression Stretching: Gentle passive stretching of the treated muscle follows imme - Other Neil Asher Technique (NAT) + conservative physiotherapy Group
The NAT is a non-invasive trigger point therapy that applies a specific sequence of ischemic compressions to deactivate active trigger points, stimulate reflex responses, and promote muscular balance. Apply several deep strokes over the fibrous band and then each trigger point is treated with sustained manual pressure for 20-30 seconds, repeated 2-3 times per session. Hot Pack Application: A moist hot pack will be applied over the affected shoulder for 5 minutes using a protective towel. Shou
Primary outcome measures
- Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) - Pain Assessment [Time frame: upto 4 weeks]
- Universal Goniometer (UG) - Range of Motion (ROM) [Time frame: upto 4 weeks]
- Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) - Disability Outcome [Time frame: upto 4 weeks]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Age 40-60 years
- Positive Neer's and Hawkins Kennedy test (27)
- Grade 1 or 2 rotator cuff syndrome (non-surgical)
Exclusion criteria
- Cardiac issues (e.g., myocardial infarction)
- Fibromyalgia
- Pregnancy
- Trauma-related shoulder pain
- History of shoulder surgery
- Numbness, tingling
- Corticosteroid injections
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Pakistan · 1 center
- University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore HOD Physio Department — Lahore
Publications
- Varacallo MA, El Bitar Y, Sina RE, Mair SD. Rotator Cuff Syndrome. 2024 Mar 5. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531506/ PMID 30285401
- Kuhn JE. Prevalence, natural history, and nonoperative treatment of rotator cuff disease. Operative techniques in sports medicine. 2023;31(1):150978.
- Meyers AR, Wurzelbacher SJ, Krieg EF, Ramsey JG, Crombie K, Christianson AL, Luo L, Burt S. Work-Related Risk Factors for Rotator Cuff Syndrome in a Prospective Study of Manufacturing and Healthcare Workers. Hum Factors. 2023 May;65(3):419-434. doi: 10.1177/00187208211022122. Epub 2021 Jun 20. PMID 34148475
- Zahra T, Altaf F, Akhtar H, Awan SS, Sher UA, Waris S. Sleep Quality and Nocturnal Pain in Patients of Rotator Cuff Syndrome. Pakistan Journal of Medical & Health Sciences. 2022;16(09):394-.
- Kwan CK, Ko MC, Fu SC, Leong HT, Ling SK, Oh JH, Yung PS. Are muscle weakness and stiffness risk factors of the development of rotator cuff tendinopathy in overhead athletes: a systematic review. Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2021 Jul 3;12:20406223211026178. doi: 10.1177/20406223211026178. eCollection 2021. PMID 34276924
- Sidiropoulos K, Samundeeswari S, Giannatos V, Kotsapas M, Arrigoni P, Montoya F, Brilakis E, Latz D, Koukos C. Partial Cuff Repair in Rotator Cuff Tears: Current Concepts and Clinical Considerations. Indian J Orthop. 2025 Feb 4;59(6):743-755. doi: 10.1007/s43465-025-01338-0. eCollection 2025 Jun. PMID 40511351
- Zhao J, Luo M, Pan J, Liang G, Feng W, Zeng L, Yang W, Liu J. Risk factors affecting rotator cuff retear after arthroscopic repair: a meta-analysis and systematic review. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2021 Nov;30(11):2660-2670. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2021.05.010. Epub 2021 Jun 2. PMID 34089878
- Giri A, O'Hanlon D, Jain NB. Risk factors for rotator cuff disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Ann Phys Rehabil Med. 2023 Feb;66(1):101631. doi: 10.1016/j.rehab.2022.101631. Epub 2022 Nov 30. PMID 35257948
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07645963 · REC/RCR&AHS/25/0116 Iqra