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Response to Massage in Neck Pain

Characterizing Responses to Massage in Individuals With Neck Pain

Who can join

Ages 18 to 60 · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 to 60 years old
* Currently experiencing neck pain with or without arm pain
* Neck pain symptom intensity rated as 4/10 or higher during the last 24 hours
* Neck pain for greater than or equal to 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non- English speaking
* Systemic medical conditions known to affect sensation (e.g. diabetes)
* History of neck surgery or fracture within the past 6 months
* Current history of chronic pain condition other than neck pain
* Diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy or cervical myelopathy
* History of whiplash
* Currently using blood thinning medication
* Any blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia
* Any contraindication to application of ice, such as: uncontrolled hypertension, cold urticaria, cryoglobulinemia, paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, and circulatory compromise
* Pregnancy

About the study

This study is interested in whether baseline measures of pain sensitivity i.e. the amount of pressure required to feel pain predicts pain relief following a pain inducing massage AND whether pain relief following a pain inducing massage is different than a pain free massage or placing your hand in a cold water bath. Participants with neck pain will be randomly assigned to receive a pain inducing massage, pain free massage, or to place their hand in a cold water bath.

What is being tested

• Pain Inducing Massage (procedure)
• Pain Free Massage (procedure)
• Cold Water Bath (procedure)

Sponsor: University of Florida · Participants: 53 · Started: Apr 8, 2024

Contact the study team

• Joel Bialosky, PT, PhD · Phone: 352-733-1162

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06224829

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Neck Injuries and Disorders

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.