This randomized clinical trial will compare the effectiveness of ERGON Therapy combined with Muscle Energy Technique (MET) versus ERGON Therapy alone in patients with mechanical neck pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups. Both groups will receive conventional physiotherapy consisting of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), hot pack application, and cervical stretching exercises. The study will evaluate changes in pain intensity, cervical range of motion, and functional disability. The findings are expected to provide evidence regarding the added benefit of MET when combined with ERGON Therapy in the management of mechanical neck pain.

Mechanical neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that can adversely affect daily activities, work productivity, and quality of life. Various manual therapy approaches have been used to manage neck pain, including Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) techniques such as ERGON Therapy and Muscle Energy Technique (MET). However, limited evidence exists regarding the comparative effectiveness of ERGON Therapy with and without MET in individuals with mechanical neck pain.

This randomized clinical trial will recruit 42 participants diagnosed with mechanical neck pain. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated into two groups. Group A will receive ERGON Therapy in combination with Muscle Energy Technique, while Group B will receive ERGON Therapy alone. In addition, both groups will receive a standardized conventional physiotherapy program consisting of TENS, hot pack application, and cervical stretching exercises.

The intervention period will be conducted according to a predefined treatment protocol. Outcome measures will include pain intensity assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), cervical range of motion measured using appropriate clinical tools, and functional disability assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Assessments will be performed at baseline and after completion of the intervention period.

The primary objective of the study will be to determine whether the addition of Muscle Energy Technique to ERGON Therapy provides superior improvements in pain reduction, cervical mobility, and functional disability compared with ERGON Therapy alone. The results of this trial are expected to contribute to evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for the management of mechanical neck pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

Individuals clinically diagnosed with mechanical neck pain Duration of neck pain of at least 2 weeks Willingness to participate and provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

History of cervical spine surgery within the past 12 months History of trauma or infection in the cervical region Presence of neurological deficits or cervical radiculopathy Presence of systemic disorders affecting musculoskeletal function Any other musculoskeletal deformity or significant disability affecting the neck region

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De-identified individual participant data including baseline characteristics (age, gender), pain scores (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), cervical range of motion measurements, and Neck Disability Index scores will be shared. No personal identifiers such as names, contact details, or hospital record numbers will be included.

IPD will be available beginning 6 months after study completion and will remain available for 5 years after study completion.

De-identified individual participant data including baseline characteristics (age, gender), pain scores (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), cervical range of motion measurements, and Neck Disability Index scores will be shared. No personally identifiable information such as names, contact numbers, or hospital identification numbers will be included.

Supporting study documents such as study protocol and data collection forms may also be made available.