Efficacy of Maitland Mobilizations Combined with Cupping Therapy in Patients with Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) leads to regional pain and restricted cervical range of motion (ROM). Although mobilization and cupping are widely used, evidence for their combined effect is limited.Objective To compare the effectiveness of Maitland mobilizations with cupping therapy versus conventional physiotherapy in patients with cervical MPS.Methods In this randomized controlled trial at the National Orthopedic & General Hospital, Bahawalpur (July–August 2025), 50 participants were assigned to intervention (n = 25) or control (n = 25). The intervention group received Maitland Grade I–II mobilizations plus dry cupping; controls received TENS, ultrasound, stretching, and ROM exercises twice weekly for four weeks. Outcomes included pain (NPRS) and cervical ROM (CROM Deluxe).Results Pain decreased significantly more in the intervention group (−2.44, p < 0.001). ROM gains favored intervention across all planes (p < 0.001).Conclusion Mobilization with cupping is more effective than conventional physiotherapy for cervical MPS.Trial Registration PRS clinical trial registry USA: 01 August 2025 (ID: NCT07098754). https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07098754?locStr=Bahawalpur,%20Pakistan&country=PK&state=Punjab&city=Bahawalpur&rank=3