Clinical Research Directory

rESWT vs LLLT for Cervical Myofascial Pain

Background and Aim: Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) in the cervical region is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders associated with myofascial trigger points that cause muscle pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, precipitated by forward head posture. Many non-invasive modalities, including low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), have been reported to reduce symptoms. However, comparative effectiveness of these interventions remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of radial ESWT and LLLT in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in patients with cervical MPS among the working-age adults. Methods: A randomized controlled study was conducted in a working-age adults with MPS. Fifty subjects, divided in two groups received either ESWT or LLLT. Numeric rating scale (NRS), cervical range of motion (ROM), and craniovertebral angle (CVA) were assessed before and throughout three weeks post intervention. Results: Both LLLT and ESWT showed significant (p \< 0.001) changes in NRS, cervical ROM, and CVA. LLLT showed a difference in pain reduction at week three (p \< 0.001) and flexion and extension ROM at week two and three (p \< 0.05). Conclusion: LLLT demonstrated superior results in pain reduction at the three-week mark and produced greater increases in cervical flexion and extension ROM during the two- and three-week periods when compared with ESWT.

Effects of Focal Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders of Muscular Origin

The objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in improving pain in patients with TMD pain after 5 weeks of treatment, 1 month and 3 months after the end of treatment. As secondary objectives, we plan to evaluate the effectiveness of focal shockwave therapy in relation to: 1. Range of motion (ROM) of the temporomandibular joint using goniometry after 5 weeks of treatment; 2. Degree of inflammation, using ultrasound evaluation in the temporomandibular joint relating to the degree of pain after focal shockwave therapy for 5 weeks; 3. Jaw movement (MM), joint noise (RA), joint pressure (PA) and disability index (DI) will be measured at each treatment session and after 5 weeks of treatment, 1 month and 3 months after the end of treatment in the affected joints; 4. Quality of life will be assessed using the "Short Form Health 36" questionnaire (SF-36) during the 5 weeks of treatment, 1 month and 3 months after the end of treatment; 5. Pain control medication will also be considered and compared before and after the proposed treatment for 5 weeks. Safety will be assessed throughout the study by monitoring the incidence of study-related adverse events. All patients will be contacted periodically and encouraged to report any side effects.