Randomized Controlled Study of IASTM vs. SHAM Treatment in Alleviating Symptoms Associated with Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points

Abstract

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is widely used and compared with other therapeutic interventions. However, limited evidence exists comparing IASTM with sham treatment in the Philippines, which hinders the ability to determine observed therapeutic outcomes attributable to the specific physiological effects of IASTM or to placebo-related responses. To address this gap, this study investigates the effects of IASTM vs sham treatment in alleviating the symptoms of upper trapezius myofascial trigger points among staff and office workers. A single-blinded randomized controlled study was conducted among office workers and staff with upper trapezius MTrPs. Twenty participants were randomly assigned to IASTM or sham treatment groups. Interventions were done in standardized sessions by a licensed Physical Therapist, where pain intensity and neck disability were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) before and after all treatment sessions. Results showed that the IASTM group demonstrated greater reduction in both OM, with NDI decreasing from 11.80 to 0.60 and VAS from 5.40 to 0.80, compared to the sham group with an NDI of 11.40 to 7.80 and VAS of 5.20 to 3.10. Within-group analysis revealed significant pre-post improvements in both groups (p<0.001). However, post-treatment comparisons showed significantly greater improvements in the IASTM group (p <0.001) in the reduction of neck disability and pain intensity. Further research with a larger sample group is recommended to strengthen evidence on its clinical effectiveness.

Keywords: Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization; Upper Trapezius; Myofascial Trigger Points; Sham Treatment; Placebo-Effect; Neck Disability; Pain Intensity

Citation

Falame LMF, Borres JJY. Randomized Controlled Study of IASTM vs. SHAM Treatment in Alleviating Symptoms Associated with Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points. WebLog J Phys Ther Rehabil. wjptr.2026.e2501. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20685112