Stretching vs instrument therapy for tension headaches
Part of Brain & nervous system clinical trials.
This trial compares two types of hands-on therapy for tension headaches: a gentle stretch under the skull and a tool-assisted muscle release. It aims to find which works better for reducing headache pain.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You are between 18 and 60 years old.
- You have tension headaches on fewer than 15 days per month for at least 3 months.
- Your headaches last from 30 minutes to 7 days.
- Your headache is on both sides of your head, feels like pressing or tightening, and is mild to moderate.
- Your headache does not get worse with physical activity, and you do not feel sick to your stomach.
- You have tender spots in the muscles at the base of your skull and upper shoulders.
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
Similar studies
Other trials that look related to this one.
This trial tests if cognitive behavioral therapy (a type of talk therapy that changes unhelpful thoughts and behaviors) can reduce both smartphone addiction and tension-type headaches. It is for people aged 19-34 who have frequent tension headaches and are heavy smartphone users.
This study tests two hands-on treatments for chronic tension-type headache—Mulligan Mobilizations and Active Release Technique—to see which works better for relieving headache pain and disability. It is designed for people aged 18–35 who have not tried these treatments before.
This trial tests whether specific physical therapy treatments—exercise, manual soft-tissue work, mobilization, and electrical dry needling/TENS—can reduce tension-type headaches. It may help if your headaches happen often and fit the trial’s “frequent” or “chronic” pattern.
This trial tests a combined program of physiotherapy and a meditation app for people who have frequent or chronic tension-type headaches. It aims to see if this approach can reduce headache pain and improve quality of life.
This study tests if manual therapy (gentle hands-on techniques) can help reduce tension-type headaches in women going through menopause or premenopause. It involves tracking your headache symptoms and receiving treatment over several sessions.
This study tests whether specific deep neck muscle exercises can help reduce pain and tension in people diagnosed with tension-type headaches. It looks at how strengthening these muscles might ease headache symptoms over time.
Hear when a new Tension-Type Headache trial opens
We’ll email you when one opens — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.