Objective To investigate the effectiveness of Bian stone (stone needle) thermal ironing therapy combined with manual massage on muscle stiffness, upper-limb range of motion and pain in patients with dorsonuchal myofascitis.Methods Eighty patients with dorsonuchal myofascitis were randomized into two groups, with 40 in each group.The control group was given conventional manual massage treatment, while the treatment group additionally received Bian stone thermal ironing therapy.Both groups were treated for 2 weeks.Muscle stiffness, shoulder range of motion and pain were evaluated before and after the treatment.Results After 2 weeks of treatment, the muscle stiffness and pain score in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (both P＜0.05).In 6 out of 8 measures of upper-limb range of motion, the treatment group performed significantly better than the control group （all P＜0.05）.Conclusion The combination use of Bian stone thermal ironing therapy and massage in patients with dorsonuchal myofascitis can ameliorate their muscle stiffness and pain, and enhance joint function.