Immediate effects of myofascial technique for the treatment of chronic nonspecific neck pain in adults: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Study Summary

48 patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain were randomized to receive myofascial technique (MFT) or sham MFT. The outcomes of interest were sternocleidomastoid muscle stiffness, sternocleidomastoid fascia thickness, pain intensity, and craniovertebral angle. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and immediately after intervention, with pain intensity also assessed on day 2. Overall, the results of the study revealed that MFT significantly reduced sternocleidomastoid fascia thickness and provided greater immediate and 24-hour pain relief compared with sham MFT, but did not significantly change sternocleidomastoid muscle stiffness or craniovertebral angle. These findings suggest that MFT may provide short-term clinical benefit for chronic nonspecific neck pain, primarily through changes in fascial morphology and pain reduction.