Table 1 Eligibility screening
Inclusion criteria | Exclusion criteria |
|---|---|
Age 18 to 70 years | Not fluent in Swedish language |
Current history of subacute neck pain (30 to 90 days duration) or long-lasting neck pain (>90 days) impairing daily activities at work and/or leisure time | Pain intensity <2 as a mean of three pain questions the preceding 4 weeks (Chroniq Pain Questionnaire) |
Access to internet | Pain related disability <1 as a mean of three disability questions the preceding 4 weeks (Chronic Pain Questionnaire) |
In possession of a smart phone | Having used a personal trainer the preceding 4 weeks |
Pregnancy | |
Cancer the preceding 5 years | |
Skin disorders in the painful area impeding massage therapy | |
Manual therapy, massage therapy or physical therapy for the neck pain in the preceding month | |
Sick leave due to surgery in the painful area | |
Specific diagnosis (as for example acute prolapsed disc, spondylolisthesis, spinal fracture, spinal stenosis, or arthritis) | |
Red Flags (as for example acute trauma, cancer, infection, cauda equine, osteoporosis, or vertebral fractures) | |
Fever |