Myofascial pain syndrome

This study tested a treatment for a common jaw joint problem called TMJ anterior displacement, where the joint disc slips out of place. The treatment involved flushing the joint (arthrocentesis), then injecting platelet-rich plasma (a concentrate of the patient's own healing cell…

This study tested a custom-made digital splint to reposition the jaw in 48 adolescents with painful, clicking jaw joints due to disc displacement. Participants wore the splint 24/7 and had regular check-ups with imaging. The goal was to improve pain, chewing, and quality of life.…

This study tested whether using computer-guided surgery is better than the standard approach for fixing a jaw that keeps dislocating. Seven adults with the condition took part. The main goal was to see if the jaw stayed in place after surgery, and the study also measured how wide…

This study tested a Turkish version of the Johns Hopkins In-Room Independence Scale, which measures a patient's ability to move, use the toilet, and think clearly while in their hospital room. Researchers worked with 100 adults who had conditions like stroke, Parkinson's, or ampu…

Myofascial pain syndrome is common but hard to diagnose accurately. This completed study tested several imaging and electrical measurement tools—like ultrasound and muscle activity sensors—to find objective signs of the condition. Researchers studied 96 adults to see if these too…

This trial investigates whether jaw exercises (Rocabado programme) work better when guided by a physiotherapist through online video sessions versus doing them at home with written instructions alone. Adults aged 18-60 with jaw-joint pain and teeth grinding are randomly assigned …

This study tested two different strengths of ozone gas injections into the jaw joint for people with TMJ disorders. Twenty adults who had clicking, popping, or limited mouth opening that didn't improve with other treatments received the injections. Researchers measured pain and j…

This study tested whether injecting botulinum toxin (Botox) into jaw muscles can reduce pain and improve mouth opening in people with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) myofascial pain. 118 adults with at least moderate pain for over a month received injections in their masseter and t…

This study looked at whether a 30-minute myofascial massage can reduce shoulder stiffness and improve blood flow in breast cancer survivors who have myofascial pain. Twenty-one women who had completed breast cancer treatment 3 months to 2 years earlier received one massage sessio…

This study tests two short behavioral therapies delivered over video calls for adults with chronic orofacial (jaw or face) muscle pain and insomnia. One therapy focuses on sleep habits and routines; the other uses jaw relaxation and breathing exercises. The goal is to see which a…

This study tested two treatments for neck pain caused by forward head posture and trigger points: dry needling (thin needles inserted into tight muscle knots) and phonophoresis (ultrasound with anti-inflammatory gel). Forty adults with chronic neck pain and trigger points were sp…

This study tested a combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the patient's own blood and hyaluronic acid injected into the jaw joint. Twenty-two adults with painful clicking and limited mouth opening received the treatment. Researchers used a jaw tracking device to measure …

This study looked at whether mesotherapy — injecting anti-inflammatory medicine into the skin near the jaw — can help people with chronic jaw muscle pain. Twenty-two adults with myofascial pain syndrome received treatment over 4 weeks. Researchers measured pain levels and how wid…

This study tested whether a non-invasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve, combined with self-care exercises, can reduce jaw and neck pain in people with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). 48 adults with jaw muscle pain participated. They received either real or placebo ner…

This completed study tested a laser device (BTL-043) on 31 adults with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. Participants received four 20-minute laser sessions over a few weeks. Researchers measured pain levels, jaw movement, and daily function at 1 and 3 months after treatment to…

This study tested whether a single session of radial shock wave therapy combined with either stretching or isometric contraction could immediately reduce muscle tightness and stiffness in the upper neck. Thirty healthy adults with no recent neck pain participated. Researchers mea…

This study tested if a dual-frequency laser can reduce pain and improve neck movement in people with myofascial trigger points (muscle knots) in the upper neck. 48 adults with chronic neck pain received either a single-wavelength laser or a dual-frequency laser, plus standard exe…

This study tested whether a non-invasive, FDA-approved device called cranial electrical stimulation (CES) can reduce chronic pain in veterans with fibromyalgia. Fifty veterans received either real CES or a placebo treatment for several weeks. Researchers used brain scans and pain…

This study compared two non-invasive treatments for neck muscle pain in 50 adults. One group received shockwave therapy, the other low-level laser therapy, both once a week for three weeks. Laser therapy led to greater pain reduction and improved neck movement at the three-week m…

This study looked at whether classical massage can reduce pain and improve daily function in people with myofascial pain syndrome, a condition that causes muscle knots and radiating pain. Sixty adults aged 30–50 with active trigger points in the upper back took part. Researchers …

This study tested whether adding a manual therapy called Graston technique to standard McKenzie back exercises helps people with chronic lower back myofascial pain. 70 adults were split into two groups: one did McKenzie exercises alone, the other added Graston. Researchers measur…

This completed study tested whether a nerve block (erector spinae plane block) works better than standard trigger point injections for easing myofascial back pain. 60 adults with myofascial pain syndrome received one of the two procedures. Researchers measured pain levels using a…

This study tested three ways to treat jaw pain caused by teeth grinding (bruxism): a custom mouthguard (occlusal splint), Botox injections, or both together. Sixty adults completed the 3-month trial. Researchers measured pain and jaw function changes to see which approach worked …

This study tested two treatments for neck pain caused by muscle knots (myofascial pain syndrome). Forty adults received either high-intensity laser therapy or shockwave therapy, plus standard physical therapy, over 4 weeks. The goal was to see which treatment better reduces pain …

This study tested two different hands-on treatments for neck pain caused by trigger points (knots in the muscle). 34 adults with at least one trigger point received either a gentle hold-and-release technique or a scraping tool technique. Researchers measured pain, neck disability…

This study looked at whether adding aerobic or strength exercises to standard physical therapy can better reduce pain and sensitivity in people with chronic jaw disorders. 51 adults with jaw pain and nociplastic pain (widespread sensitivity) participated. The goal was to see if t…

This study tested two non-drug approaches for temporomandibular disorder (TMD), a condition causing jaw pain and stiffness. Fifty adults with TMD were randomly assigned to receive either osteopathic manipulative treatment (hands-on therapy) or a home exercise program. Researchers…

This small study looked at 17 adults with bruxism (teeth grinding) who received Botox injections into their jaw muscle. Researchers used ultrasound to measure muscle thickness and texture before treatment, at 14 days, and at 90 days. They also tracked pain levels. The goal was to…

This study looked at two treatments for jaw pain caused by teeth grinding (bruxism) and related muscle pain. Forty adults either got a custom mouth splint to wear most of the day or had thin needles inserted into their jaw muscles (dry needling) in three weekly sessions. Research…

This study tested two common treatments for painful knots in the upper back muscles: dry needling (inserting thin needles) and manual trigger point release (applying pressure and stretching). Forty-eight adults with at least four weeks of moderate to severe pain took part. Resear…

This study tested two physical therapy techniques—myofascial release and positional release—in 30 young adults with neck pain from a condition called unilateral trapezitis. Both treatments reduced pain, improved neck movement, and eased disability when added to standard exercises…

This study tested two types of injections for people with long-lasting neck pain caused by muscle knots that didn't get better with usual treatments. 96 adults received either a dextrose solution or a lidocaine-saltwater mix injected between layers of tissue under ultrasound guid…

This study tested if dry needling (inserting thin needles into muscle knots) can reduce jaw pain in people with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). 40 adults with jaw pain for at least 3 months were randomly assigned to receive either dry needling or standard physical therapy. The …

This study tested whether adding an injection of hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich fibrin, or dextrose to a standard jaw washout procedure (arthrocentesis) improves pain and jaw function more than the washout alone. Thirty-six adults with TMJ disorders who hadn't improved with other…

This study looked at whether adding manual therapy (spinal manipulation) to Pilates helps people with non-specific spinal problems feel better and move more easily. 43 adults were split into two groups: one did only Pilates, the other did Pilates plus manual therapy for 8 session…

This study tested two common treatments for jaw muscle pain (TMD) in 24 adults: a 6-week physiotherapy program with hands-on massage and exercises, versus wearing a mouth splint at night. The goal was to see which better reduces pain, improves mouth opening, and boosts quality of…

This study tested whether placing a cold tube in the vagina for 10 minutes can reduce pelvic floor muscle pain in women. 165 women with pelvic pain used either a cold or room-temperature tube. Researchers measured pain changes right after use and after two weeks of daily use.

This study tested whether using sound waves (phonophoresis) to push anti-inflammatory gel into the skin can reduce pain and improve neck movement in people with painful muscle knots (trigger points) in the upper shoulder. Twenty adults with trigger points took part. Researchers m…

This completed study tested whether adding dry needling to standard treatment (medication and physiotherapy) improves pain and function in people with myofascial low back pain. 156 adults with at least 3 months of pain took part. The researchers measured pain intensity, pressure …

This study looked at whether Botox injections can reduce pain and improve jaw movement in people with chronic jaw muscle pain that didn't get better with standard treatments. Twenty-five participants received Botox injections into their jaw muscles. Researchers measured pain leve…

This study tested a set of jaw and neck exercises in 64 adults with craniomandibular dysfunction (jaw joint problems). The exercises included chin tucks, chest stretches, and gentle neck and jaw movements. Researchers measured pain levels and jaw function before and after four we…

This study tested whether adding pain neuroscience education (PNE) to standard physiotherapy helps people with myofascial pain syndrome, a condition causing muscle knots and pain. Forty adults aged 18-50 were split into two groups: one got only physiotherapy, the other also recei…

This study tested whether giving a lidocaine injection into specific muscles right after knee replacement surgery could lower pain and the need for opioid painkillers. Eleven adults aged 45 and older who had knee surgery took part. Some received the real injection, while others g…

This study tested a specific technique for adjusting occlusal stabilizing splints used to treat temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which cause jaw pain and dysfunction. Researchers enrolled 800 patients with TMD and assessed their satisfaction after using the adjusted splints. Th…

This study compared two treatments for myofascial pain syndrome in the upper trapezius muscle: focused shockwave therapy and dry needling. Fifty-three adults with chronic shoulder pain received either three weekly shockwave sessions or dry needling. Researchers measured pain leve…

This study tested two injection treatments for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems that cause jaw pain and clicking. Twenty patients received either Botox into a jaw muscle or platelet-rich fibrin (a substance made from their own blood) into the joint space. Researchers measur…

This study tested a traditional Chinese medicine patch made from herbs like ginger and Artemisia on 21 dialysis patients who had pain from their fistula. The patch was placed on specific acupoints during dialysis sessions for 4 weeks. Researchers measured pain, depression, and qu…

This study tested two dry needling techniques—superficial and deep—guided by ultrasound for people with upper trapezius muscle pain. 80 adults aged 20-50 with myofascial pain syndrome received a single session. Researchers measured pain, neck disability, and quality of life to se…

This completed study tested whether injecting a mix of platelet-rich fibrin and hyaluronic acid into the jaw joint could help people with TMJ disc problems. Thirty adults with jaw pain, clicking, and limited movement received the treatment or a standard injection. Researchers mea…

This study looked at how common muscle and posture problems are in physiotherapy students and whether a special physiotherapy program could help. 44 students with back pain and muscle tightness received treatments like trigger point release, stretching, and joint mobilization. Th…

This study looked at whether adding postural exercises to standard occlusal splint therapy can better reduce pain and improve jaw function in people with internal temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Fifty-seven adults were split into three groups: one received only a mouth s…

This study tested whether a technique called intratissue percutaneous electrolysis (IPE) works better than dry needling for a tight foot muscle caused by myofascial pain syndrome. Forty adults with foot pain received three treatments over 12 weeks. Researchers measured pressure o…

This study tested whether adding pain neuroscience education, motor imagery, and action observation to standard treatment (splint, exercises, counseling) helps people with chronic temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Fifty adults with jaw pain for at least 3 months participated. Th…

This completed study tested whether adding breathing exercises or back exercises to standard jaw muscle therapy could improve pain, jaw function, spine mobility, and mood in people with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. 63 adults aged 18-65 with muscle-related TMJ issues…

This completed study tested whether botulinum toxin type-A injections relieve pain from myofascial pain syndrome better than a standard local anesthetic (prilocaine). Thirty-eight adults with long-term muscle pain were randomly assigned to receive either botulinum toxin or priloc…

This study looked at whether stretching the pelvic floor muscles can reduce pain and improve quality of life in postmenopausal women aged 45-55 who have chronic pelvic pain. Sixty women took part, and the researchers measured pain levels and menopausal symptoms before and after t…

This study tested whether physical therapy for temporomandibular disorders (TMD) — which cause jaw pain, headaches, and clicking — works just as well when done virtually (via video calls) as in person. Over 200 adults with TMD were split into two groups: one received standard in-…

This study tested whether electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) combined with stretching can reduce pain from myofascial trigger points (muscle knots) in the upper back. 65 working adults with this condition received several treatments in one visit, including EMS, stretching, and p…

This study tested a new way to design a jaw splint for people with a common jaw joint problem (TMJ disc displacement). Instead of the usual method, doctors used a computer analysis called VTO to find the best splint position. 20 adults with confirmed TMJ disc displacement took pa…

This study tested whether using ultrasound to guide hyaluronic acid injections into the jaw joint works better than the usual method for people with a displaced jaw disc. Forty adults who had not improved with other treatments received either ultrasound-guided or standard injecti…

This study looked at whether letting patients control their own sedation during arm surgery under regional anesthesia leads to higher satisfaction compared to having an anesthesiologist control it. 70 adults having upper limb orthopedic surgery were randomly assigned to either pa…

This study looked at whether adding Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to a self-care program helps people with jaw pain (TMD). 135 adults with moderate to severe pain were given different levels of care based on how they responded. The goal was to see if TCM could improve pain a…

This study tested two different low-level laser wavelengths (635nm and 980nm) to see if they could reduce pain and improve jaw function in people with myofascial pain syndrome of the jaw. Thirty participants received laser treatment twice a week for five weeks. The main goal was …

This study looked at whether deep tissue massage can reduce pain, improve neck movement, and boost quality of life in people with myofascial pain syndrome. Eighty adults with at least one active trigger point and neck pain for three months or more took part. Researchers measured …

This study tested two types of manual therapy (myofascial mobilization and joint mobilization) in 57 people with rheumatoid arthritis who also had jaw joint problems. Participants received therapy twice a week for six weeks, while a control group got no treatment. Both therapy gr…

This study looked at whether manual therapy (hands-on treatment) and a cognitive exercise therapy approach (BETY) can reduce headache pain and improve quality of life in people with temporomandibular disorder (TMD)-related headaches. 60 adults with TMD headaches were split into g…

This study tested whether adding dry needling to standard exercises helps people with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. 78 adults received either exercises alone or exercises plus dry needling for 3 weeks. Researchers measured pain, wrist movement, and hand function to see…

This study translated the Generic Functional Index, a questionnaire that measures how well people can do daily activities, into Turkish. Researchers tested it with 200 adults who have muscle or joint problems to see if it is accurate and reliable. The goal is to give Turkish-spea…

This completed study surveyed 566 adolescents aged 14 to 16 to understand how jaw pain (temporomandibular disorders) relates to other painful conditions like headaches, neck pain, and back pain. Researchers used anonymous questionnaires to identify common co-occurring health issu…

This study checked how accurately a practitioner can locate a rib by touch (palpation) compared to using ultrasound. 44 healthy adults took part. The goal was to see if palpation alone is reliable enough for dry needling of deep shoulder muscles. Results help guide safer practice…

This study looked at 84 adults with chronic neck pain to see how central sensitization (a condition where the nervous system becomes overly sensitive) relates to pain intensity, thinking patterns, sleep quality, and jaw function. Researchers used questionnaires to measure these f…

This study tested whether specially trained physiotherapists can safely diagnose and treat non-urgent muscle and joint pain in the emergency room, compared to standard care from doctors. 102 patients with back, neck, or shoulder pain were randomly assigned to either a physiothera…

This study looked at whether people with long-term neck pain (cervical myofascial pain syndrome) are more likely to have a 'Type D' or distressed personality and feel stigma about their condition. Researchers compared 54 patients with healthy individuals using questionnaires. The…

This study looked at how traumatic experiences—both in childhood and later in life—impact jaw function and quality of life in people with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Researchers compared 102 adults with TMD to healthy volunteers using questionnaires about trauma, jaw …

This study looked at whether MRI scans can reliably find a torn disc in the jaw joint (temporomandibular joint). Researchers reviewed MRI images and medical records from 282 people to see how often disc tears occur and how they relate to pain, disc shape, and bone changes. The go…

This completed study compared how well people with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), people with other muscle or bone pain, and healthy individuals can imagine movements. Researchers used a questionnaire called the MIQ-RS to measure motor imagery skills. The goal was to see …

This study looked at 80 people with muscle pain to see if genetics can predict which treatment works best. Participants received laser, ultrasound, or sugar-water injections. Researchers analyzed blood and urine to find markers that could guide personalized pain care in the futur…

This study surveyed 116 adults with chronic pain at a rehabilitation clinic to understand how their pain beliefs, spiritual well-being, and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine are related. Participants filled out several questionnaires about their pain, mood, …

This pilot study looked at 30 people with chronic neck or shoulder pain from myofascial pain syndrome. Researchers wanted to see if certain pain features (called nociplastic pain) affect how well patients respond to physical therapy. Participants were followed for 3 months after …

This completed observational study looked at 110 breast cancer patients to see if arm swelling (lymphedema) is linked to a specific type of muscle pain called myofascial pain syndrome. Researchers examined trigger points in key muscles and measured pain thresholds. The goal was t…