New tech aims to take the guesswork out of muscle pain diagnosis
NCT ID NCT05793086
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This observational study tests three non-invasive technologies—ultrasound, electrical impedance, and nerve excitability tests—to see if they can reliably diagnose myofascial pain syndrome. Researchers will compare results from 90 people with and without the condition. The goal is to find objective biomarkers that could improve diagnosis and treatment planning.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to better, more objective ways to diagnose myofascial pain, replacing subjective assessments.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early observational study, not a treatment trial. The tests may not prove accurate enough for routine clinical use.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 90 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2023
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Patients with myofascial pain syndrome with active and/or latent TrPs, as diagnosed by a pain specialist, with involvement of the trapezius meeting
- Ages
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18 to 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Myofascial Pain Syndrome with active and/or latent TrPs Inclusion Criteria: 1. Ages: 18-80 2. Myofascial Pain Syndrome with active and/or latent TrPs, as diagnosed by a pain specialist, with involvement of the trapezius meeting criteria (detailed in "Methods")) 3. Capacity to manage breakthrough pain medications during the study with only acetaminophen Exclusion Criteria: 1. Presence of radicular pain, superimposed neuromuscular disease, or condition 2. Fibromyalgia or other generalized pain condition 3. Opioid use 4. Active mood or substance use disorder 5. Taking or unable to wean off pain medications that directly affect neuronal or muscle excitability at least 2 weeks prior to study enrollment and remain off for the duration of the study: gabapentin, pregabalin, topiramate, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, valproic acid, tricyclic antidepressants (such as nortriptyline and amitriptyline), tizanidine, cyclobenzaprine, carisoprodol, methocarbamol, benzodiazepines 6. Skin allergy or sensitivity that would preclude the use of adhesive electrodes 7. Systemic or psychiatric illness that in the opinion of the Site Investigator would interfere with the individual's ability to participate in the trial. 8. Anticoagulation (with coumadin, clopidogrel, or direct oral anticoagulants; aspirin acceptable). Healthy volunteers Inclusion Criteria: 1\. Ages: 18-80 Exclusion Criteria: 1. Presence of radicular, myofascial, or generalized pain, superimposed neuromuscular disease or condition 2. History of MPS, examination demonstrating trigger points 3. Fibromyalgia or other generalized pain condition 4. Opioid use 5. Active mood or substance use disorder 6. Taking or unable to wean off pain medications that directly affect neuronal or muscle excitability at least 2 weeks prior to study enrollment and remain off for the duration of the study: gabapentin, pregabalin, topiramate, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, valproic acid, tricyclic antidepressants (such as nortriptyline and amitriptyline), tizanidine, cyclobenzaprine, carisoprodol, methocarbamol, benzodiazepines 7. Skin allergy or sensitivity that would preclude85 the use of adhesive electrodes 8. Systemic or psychiatric illness that in the opinion of the Site Investigator would interfere with the individual's ability to participate in the trial.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
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Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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