Myofascial pain syndrome

This trial tests whether adding structured telemonitoring—weekly text messages and video calls—to standard conservative care helps people with temporomandibular disorder (TMD)-related jaw pain. Participants receive behavioral counseling, habit reversal training, and home exercise…

This trial tests whether kinesio taping, TENS therapy, or home exercises work best for people with cervical myofascial pain syndrome—a condition causing pain and weakness from tight muscle bands in the neck and upper back. About 45 adults aged 18–65 will be randomly assigned to o…

This study aims to develop new imaging methods to better detect and understand myofascial pain, a common muscle pain condition. Researchers will compare 52 participants—some with myofascial pain and some healthy—using MRI, muscle electrical activity, and fiber-optic imaging. The …

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 …

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 study compares two hands-on treatments—Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition and Active Release Technique—for people with neck pain caused by trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. About 64 adults with active trigger points and forward head posture will receive one of t…

This trial compares two non-drug treatments for myofascial pelvic pain syndrome in women: precise AI-controlled radiofrequency therapy versus biofeedback combined with electrical stimulation. Researchers will randomly assign 70 women to one of the two treatments and measure chang…

This study tests a hands-on technique called Integrated Neuromuscular Inhibition (INIMT) for people with painful muscle knots in the upper neck. 60 adults with trigger points will receive either INIMT plus standard therapy or standard therapy alone for four weeks. Researchers wil…

This trial asks whether adding a mild electrical current to dry needling improves outcomes for people with neck pain caused by muscle knots, known as myofascial trigger points. Adults aged 18 to 60 with neck pain lasting at least three weeks will receive either standard dry needl…

This trial tests whether different kinesio taping methods can reduce pain and stiffness in people with myofascial pain syndrome, a condition where sensitive spots in muscles cause pain. Participants will be divided into groups receiving either a muscle-inhibition tape, a special …

This trial tests whether giving trigger point injections—small amounts of numbing medication into tender neck muscles—shortly after anterior cervical surgery can reduce pain and the need for opioid painkillers. Patients undergoing elective anterior neck surgery are randomly assig…

This study looks at how two common treatments for myofascial jaw pain—a mouth splint and lidocaine injections—affect the muscles of the jaw and neck. Researchers use ultrasound to see changes in muscle structure, like how well the muscle fibers reflect sound waves. The goal is to…

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 trial tests three ultrasound-guided treatments for myofascial pain syndrome in the upper neck muscle: dry needling, lidocaine injection, and oxygen-ozone injection. About 76 adults with neck pain lasting at least three months will receive one of these treatments weekly for t…

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 trial compares Botox injections with ibuprofen pills to see which better eases jaw muscle pain and improves quality of life in people with sleep bruxism (teeth grinding). Forty adults with jaw pain are randomly assigned to receive either Botox injections into the masseter an…

This trial investigates whether a manual therapy called the Jones Technique, a combination of ultrasound and TENS, or both together can reduce neck pain caused by muscle knots in the upper back. The study includes women aged 18 to 40 with active trigger points and neck pain lasti…

This study tests whether injecting dextrose (sugar water) into painful muscle knots, called myofascial trigger points, can reduce pain. Adults with trigger point pain in the upper back and neck are randomly assigned to receive an injection of normal saline, 5% dextrose, or 15% de…

This study compares two common therapies—dry needling and cupping—for people with myofascial pain syndrome, a condition causing persistent muscle knots and pain. Participants receive either dry needling or cupping, and researchers measure changes in pain intensity, number of trig…

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 tests a new imaging method called MR Elastography to measure how muscles and their surrounding tissues move in people with myofascial pain syndrome. Researchers will compare results from 106 participants, including those with chronic pain and healthy volunteers. The go…

This study looks at what influences treatment expectations in adults with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), a common cause of muscle pain. Researchers measure pain intensity, pain duration, quality of life, and fatigue to see which factors best predict how much benefit patients exp…

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 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 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 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…