Background: Chronic neck pain is neck pain lasting more than 12 weeks. It is often characterized by the presence of painful trigger points in the neck muscles. The application of manual techniques such as myofascial release and gentle pressure on the painful points of the neck muscles has been shown to help reduce pain and improve functional ability and range of motion of the neck in people with chronic neck pain.~Aim: The aim of our clinical study is to investigate the efficacy of combining a program of manual techniques for the treatment of chronic neck pain with the simultaneous application of TECAR through the use of two special anti-static electrode bracelets.~Method: 80 women with trigger points in the neck muscles and neck pain symptoms for more than 12 weeks will be randomly divided into two groups. In the first group, the combined treatment of manual techniques with two TECAR anti-static electrode bracelets will be applied, while in the second group, the same protocol will be applied without the electrode bracelets. All participants will undergo a total of 15 treatments over five weeks with a follow-up after six months. Pain with the numbered pain scale (PNS pain), pain threshold of the upper part of the trapezius muscle, the sternocleidomastoid, the levator scapulae, and the splenius capitis with a digital algometer, range of motion of the neck with a goniometer and functional ability with the Neck Disability Index questionnaire will be assessed before and after treatment period with a follow-up six months later. For the statistical analysis of the results, a two-factor analysis of variance with repeated measurements will be applied, while the statistical significance index will be set at p < .05.~Expected results: Modern TECAR devices enable, through special resistive bracelet electrodes, to turn the hand of the therapist into a mobile electrode. In this way, a simultaneous effect of the two therapeutic means (manual techniques and high-frequency current) is possible. For this reason, we expect the combination to be more effective than the individual application of manual techniques in improving the clinical picture of adult women with chronic neck pain.
The aim of our clinical study is to investigate the efficacy of combining a program of manual techniques for the treatment of chronic neck pain with the simultaneous application of TECAR through the use of two special anti-static electrode bracelets. 80 women with trigger points in the neck muscles and neck pain symptoms for more than 12 weeks will be randomly divided into two groups. In the first group, the combined treatment of manual techniques with two TECAR anti-static electrode bracelets will be applied, while in the second group, the same protocol will be applied without the electrode bracelets. All participants will undergo a total of 15 treatments over five weeks with a follow-up after six months. Pain with the numbered pain scale (PNS pain), pain threshold of the upper part of the trapezius muscle, the sternocleidomastoid, the levator scapulae, and the splenius capitis with a digital algometer, range of motion of the neck with a goniometer and functional ability with the Neck Disability Index questionnaire will be assessed before and after treatment period with a follow-up six months later. For the statistical analysis of the results, a two-factor analysis of variance with repeated measurements will be applied, while the statistical significance index will be set at p < .05