Study design, protocol, and setting
SKIN
This open-label trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of the 2-week self-care with gentle mechanical skin stimulation for neck and shoulder discomfort symptoms. All participants visited the study site at baseline and after the 2-week self-care. Participants received the same assessment before and after the self-care.Skin stimulation was applied using discs with microcones made of soft elastomer, which are commercially available (Somareson L, Toyoresin Co., Shizuoka, Japan) and approved by Japanese Pharmaceuticals and Medical Device Agency as a general medical device (approval number: 22B3X10002000002). One disc has approximately 180 microcones on a surface diameter of 7 mm, with adhesive tape to be fixed on the skin (Fig. Photographs and specification of a disc with microcones (