Myofascial pain syndrome

This study aims to see if a special MRI designed for teeth can diagnose jaw joint disorders, tooth infections, and help plan dental implants as well as or better than traditional X-rays. About 470 adults needing dental imaging will get both an MRI and standard X-rays, and the res…

This study is testing a handheld device called mScan that uses a tiny, painless electrical current to measure muscle health. Researchers want to see if it can give similar results to an MRI, but faster and more conveniently. The study involves 150 adults with and without muscle d…

This study tests a special MRI technique to see if it can tell the difference between normal and painful jaw muscles in people with masticatory myofascial pain syndrome. Researchers will scan the jaw muscles of 90 adults and compare the results. The goal is to find a better way t…

This study is testing a new device that uses near-infrared light to measure pelvic floor muscle fitness in women with myofascial pelvic pain, a condition that affects up to 26% of women. The goal is to create a simple, non-invasive diagnostic tool that could replace the need for …

This study tests different dry needling and electroacupuncture methods on healthy adults with hidden muscle knots in the forearm. 150 participants will be split into five groups to see which technique causes the least soreness and best improves grip strength and movement. Results…

This study tests whether a numbing injection called Twin Block can reduce jaw muscle pain and the need for opioid painkillers after wisdom tooth removal. About 48 healthy adults who have jaw pain the day after surgery will receive either the Twin Block or a placebo. Researchers w…

This early-stage study is testing whether using a special muscle-mapping device to guide Botox injections can better relieve chronic pelvic floor pain in women compared to the standard injection method. Researchers will enroll 30 women with long-term pelvic pain and give them two…

This study tests a short, two-session telehealth program called Physical Self-Regulation for people with chronic masticatory muscle pain (jaw pain). Participants will be randomly assigned to either this program or a control session that teaches about jaw anatomy. The goal is to s…

This study tests three types of injections for people with chronic neck and shoulder muscle pain caused by trigger points. It compares platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a mix of PRP and steroid, and steroid alone to see which works best. 150 adults aged 18-65 with a single active trigg…

This study compares two common injection treatments for chronic mid-back pain: the erector spinae plane (ESP) block and trigger point injection (TPI). About 76 adults with pain lasting at least three months will be randomly assigned to one treatment. Researchers will track pain l…

This study tests whether a special laser device (Erchonia EVRL) can temporarily ease chronic jaw pain caused by TMJ disorder. Researchers will compare the laser to a placebo in 64 adults who have had constant jaw pain for at least 3 months. The main goal is to see if more people …

This study looks at whether doing breathing exercises before orthopedic surgery (like knee, hip, or fracture repair) can help your lungs work better after the operation. It involves 36 adults who have used tobacco and are at risk for breathing problems after surgery. Participants…

This study compares two electrical frequencies (high vs. low) used in percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) for shoulder pain. Thirty adults with a trigger point in the infraspinatus muscle will receive a single session, and researchers will measure changes in muscle s…

This study compares three common treatments for long-lasting muscle pain: dry needling, shock wave therapy, and pulsed radiofrequency. Researchers will enroll 60 adults with myofascial pain syndrome who have not improved with standard care. The goal is to find which method reduce…

This study looks at whether a custom mouthguard (occlusal splint) can reduce pain and improve muscle function in people with teeth grinding (bruxism) and related jaw and neck muscle pain. About 40 adults will be split into two groups: one gets the mouthguard right away, the other…

This study looks at whether adding a simple nerve-stimulation technique (using deep breathing to activate the vagus nerve) to standard physical therapy can better reduce pain and improve jaw movement in people with jaw joint disorders. Sixty adults with jaw muscle pain will recei…

This study tests whether a small device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear can help people with long-term back pain. 48 adults will either get the ear stimulation plus standard rehab, or rehab alone, for 3 weeks. The goal is to see if the device improves daily function and…

This study tests a handheld device called Sonodyn for people with chronic back, neck, or tension headache pain that hasn't improved with other treatments. The device uses a mix of low-energy ultrasound, electrical, and magnetic pulses to target painful trigger points. About 126 a…

This study tests whether injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into acupuncture points can reduce chronic neck pain caused by muscle strain. 72 adults with neck pain lasting over 3 months will receive either PRP or a placebo (salt water) injection. Researchers will measure pain le…

This study looks at whether one session of dry needling can quickly reduce calf muscle pain and improve sprint speed and jumping ability in amateur football players aged 18 to 25. Sixty participants will receive either real or sham needling, and their pain, speed, and performance…

This study tests whether a device that delivers gentle electrical stimulation to the pelvic floor can reduce chronic pelvic pain in women. Sixty women with myofascial pelvic pain will either receive the device treatment or standard care (education and exercises). The goal is to s…

This study tests whether focused shock wave therapy can reduce pain and improve jaw function in people with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) of muscular origin. One hundred adults with moderate to severe jaw pain for at least 3 months will receive either shock wave therapy or a …

This study compares three treatments—exercise, dry needling, and a newer injection called interfascial block—for people with long-lasting pain in the upper back muscle (trapezius). About 78 adults aged 18 to 55 with at least 3 months of pain will be assigned to one of the three g…

This study is testing whether a device called TENS, which sends mild electrical pulses through the skin, can safely reduce chronic low back pain. Forty adults with mild pain will use the device for 20-30 minutes, five times a week for four weeks. Researchers will track pain level…

This study tests whether online or group physiotherapy can be as effective as individual in-person sessions for treating jaw muscle pain (TMD). About 90 adults with jaw muscle pain will be randomly assigned to one of three treatment formats. The goal is to find more accessible wa…

This study compares a new injection of liquid phase concentrated growth factor (LPCGF) to standard arthrocentesis (joint washing) for people with painful jaw clicking and limited mouth opening due to a displaced disc. Thirty-two adults aged 18-45 with unilateral disc displacement…

This study tests whether a program of exercise and ergonomics training can reduce muscle and joint pain in teachers. About 80 teachers who have had pain for at least three months will be randomly assigned to receive the training or not. Researchers will measure changes in pain, d…

This study looks at whether dry needling can reduce pain from trigger points (tight, tender spots) in the trapezius muscle, which runs from the neck to the shoulders. About 70 adults with myofascial pain will receive either dry needling or a placebo treatment. Researchers will us…

This study tests a web-based app called IAMABLE that provides evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for people with chronic conditions like heart disease, arthritis, or neurological disorders. Fifty adults aged 45 to 75 will use the app for 4 months to set goals and learn abou…

This study looks at whether adding magnesium sulfate to a standard lidocaine injection can better relieve pain and improve muscle function in people with myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (chronic jaw muscle pain). About 28 adults with active trigger points will receive either…

This study tests two noninvasive treatments for jaw muscle pain (TMD): a standard mouth splint and a newer ear stent. About 32 adults with moderate to severe pain will be randomly assigned to one treatment. Researchers will measure changes in muscle activity, mouth opening, and p…

This study compares two types of injections for people with chronic migraines or headaches. One targets trigger points in muscles, the other blocks a nerve in the neck. The goal is to see if the simpler trigger point injection works just as well. About 1,000 adults aged 18-65 wil…

This study tests whether injecting a common steroid into muscle trigger points can relieve long-term shoulder pain and certain headaches as well as injecting into the joint. About 1,000 adults aged 45 and older with shoulder arthritis will receive either a trigger point or joint …

This study tests whether injecting a steroid and numbing medicine into muscle trigger points can relieve knee osteoarthritis pain as well as injecting into the knee joint itself. About 1,000 adults with knee arthritis and at least one tender muscle spot will receive either a trig…

This study tests whether injecting a steroid and numbing medicine into muscle trigger points can relieve chronic cervicogenic headaches (headaches that start from the neck). Over 1,000 adults aged 18-65 with at least 3 months of headaches will receive either the trigger point inj…

This study compares two types of injections for hip osteoarthritis pain: one into the joint and one into nearby muscle trigger points. Over 1,000 adults with hip pain will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups and followed for two years. The goal is to see if the simpler …

This study compares two common physical therapy techniques—Mulligan and Maitland mobilization—for treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, which causes jaw pain and limited movement. Thirty adults with TMJ pain will be randomly assigned to one of the two techniques, co…

This study tests whether adding dry needling to standard physical therapy helps people with jaw pain (TMJ dysfunction). One hundred adults will either get standard rehab alone or rehab plus dry needling. Researchers will measure pain, jaw movement, and quality of life to see if t…

This study compares two different doses of a treatment called percutaneous electrolysis for people with chronic neck pain caused by muscle knots in the upper trapezius. Forty adults will receive either a low-intensity or high-intensity version of the treatment, along with stretch…

This study tests whether extra support for case managers helps veterans leaving the military better manage pain and reduce risky substance use. About 1800 veterans will take part. The program focuses on non-drug pain treatments and counseling.

This study tests whether a stabilizing occlusal splint (a type of mouthguard) can reduce tinnitus (ringing in the ears) in people who also have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Researchers will compare the real splint to a placebo splint in 63 adults over 4 months, measuri…

This study tests two different exercise programs—Muscle Energy Technique and Neck Calliet Exercises—to see which better reduces neck pain and disability in nurses with trigger points. Thirty-eight female nurses will receive one of the two treatments for four weeks. Researchers wi…

This study tests whether dry needling, a technique where thin needles are inserted into muscle trigger points, can reduce shoulder pain caused by myofascial pain syndrome. Fifty adults with shoulder pain will receive either real dry needling or a sham version, and both patients a…

This study tests whether dry needling—inserting thin needles into muscle trigger points—can reduce back pain and improve daily function. Fifty adults with back pain from myofascial trigger points will receive either real or sham dry needling. Neither they nor the evaluator will k…

This study will test whether acupuncture can improve pain and function in people with chronic low back pain caused by myofascial pain syndrome. Sixty-four adults will receive either real acupuncture or sham (fake) acupuncture for eight weeks. Researchers will use full-body PET/CT…

This study will track jaw muscle activity in 42 adults with chronic jaw pain and teeth grinding (bruxism) who use a custom mouth splint at night. Participants will wear a portable device for 24 hours to measure muscle activity before starting the splint, two weeks later, and afte…

This study looks at how emotional intelligence—the ability to understand and manage emotions—relates to chronic orofacial pain (pain in the face or mouth lasting over three months). Researchers will compare 88 adults with and without this pain using questionnaires about emotions,…

This study translates and tests several health questionnaires—covering pain, arm and leg function, mood, and daily activities—for use with Albanian-speaking people. Researchers will check if the translated versions are reliable and accurate by giving them to about 300 participant…

This study tests a new tool called the PRISM Dashboard, which gives physiotherapists feedback on how their decisions compare to their peers. The goal is to see if this feedback helps reduce differences in care for people with muscle and joint pain. About 60 physiotherapists and t…

This study explores whether a non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) can help people with motor disorders, such as spinal cord injury or stroke, control assistive devices using their thoughts. Researchers will record brain signals with EEG and use machine learning to interpr…

This study follows 252 adults with muscle, bone, or joint problems (like arthritis, back pain, or after surgery) to see how well they do their prescribed home exercises. Researchers will track who sticks with the program and why, looking at factors like pain, mood, and support. T…

This study uses ultrasound imaging and machine learning to better understand low back pain by looking at the thoracolumbar fascia, a layer of tissue in the back. Researchers will compare images from people with acute pain, chronic pain, and no pain. Some participants with chronic…

This study tests whether using a virtual reality (VR) headset during shoulder exercises helps patients feel more engaged and motivated. Fifty adults with shoulder problems will do rehab exercises in a VR environment and then answer questionnaires about how easy and immersive the …

This study aims to create a secure national database for muscle and joint (musculoskeletal) conditions by collecting routine data from community clinics and GP practices. About 22,000 adults will have their information anonymously gathered to help develop a dashboard that tracks …

This study tests a special MRI method to see how muscles and connective tissues move and respond to pressure. Researchers will compare healthy people and those with myofascial pain, and see if hands-on therapy (Tuina) changes tissue movement. Participants with pain will be random…

This study watches 2000 people having hip or knee replacement surgery to see how long spinal anaesthesia lasts. The goal is to learn how the amount of anaesthetic affects timing, helping doctors decide if patients can safely go home the same day. No new treatments are tested—just…

This study aims to find better ways to measure fatigue and walking problems in people with neuromuscular diseases like muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy. Researchers will use a wearable sensor to track physical activity for one week in daily life and during a walking…

This study aims to find better ways to measure myofascial pain, a common type of muscle pain. Researchers will use MRI and other imaging tools to look at muscle tissue in 100 adults with neck or shoulder pain. The goal is to identify imaging markers that can track how well treatm…

This study looks at how changing the heel cushion on an ankle-foot brace (AFO) affects walking in people who use one daily. Forty adults with leg injuries or nerve problems will try four different heel wedges—tall or short, soft or firm—while walking at controlled speeds. Researc…

This study tests whether a special ultrasound test (called the NUN biomarker) can track changes in chronic low back pain after dry needling and predict who will feel better. Researchers will compare real dry needling to a sham (fake) procedure in 80 adults with muscle-related bac…

This study looks at how 3D computer simulation and printing can help surgeons better plan and perform bone correction surgeries. Researchers will compare the planned corrections to the actual results in 100 children and young adults with rare bone deformities. The goal is to make…

This study follows 4,000 children who receive orthopedic implants (like rods or screws) during standard care for bone fractures, deformities, or hip problems. Researchers will track how long the implants last, any complications, and how well they work over time. The goal is to ga…

This study follows 144 adults with muscle or bone problems who are already scheduled to receive treatment with Chattanooga Intelect devices (like TENS or ultrasound). Researchers will measure pain, muscle strength, and movement range to confirm the devices are safe and work as ex…

This study looks at how brain circuits are connected in people with chronic temporomandibular joint (TMD) pain compared to pain-free individuals. Researchers will use MRI scans to map brain activity and structure in 95 female participants. The goal is to find patterns that could …