Clinical Research Directory

EXPLORER Total Body PET/CT Imaging for Myofascial Pain

The main objective of this study is to establish novel measures derived from Total-body-Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (TB-PET/CT) as quantitative biomarkers for the investigation of myofascial pain. The TB-PET/CT assessed measures are those reflective of myofascial tissue metabolism, perfusion, and fatty infiltration.

Magnetic Resonance Elastography to Monitor Response to Manual Therapy in Myofascial Pain

The purpose of this research is to develop and test new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) methods that look at how muscles and tissues under the skin (myofascial tissues) move and respond to pressure. The investigators want to see how these tissues differ between healthy people and people with pain or injury, and how they change after hands-on treatment (Tuina therapy). The results will also be compared to a group that receives standard care without Tuina therapy. The main questions this study aims to answer are: 1. Can MR elastography (MRE) show changes in how the fascia and the layers between muscles move and stretch before and after manual therapy? 2. Do changes seen on MRE scans match changes in pain, function, and other symptoms reported by participants? 3. Can MRE measurements before treatment help predict which participants are most likely to improve with manual therapy? In this randomized controlled trial, participants with myofascial pain will be randomly assigned (randomized) to either the Tuina group or the Usual Care group following a home-based care program without manual therapy. All treatments are noninvasive, hands-on techniques commonly used in clinical practice to reduce tissue tightness and improve movement. Participants will be asked to undergo three MRI scans and to complete questionnaires and other standard clinical assessments about their pain, physical function, and quality of life.

Evaluation of a Novel Class of Objective Myofascial Pain Assessments

This is an observational study that is intended to determine the capacity of three technologies to serve as diagnostic biomarkers for myofascial pain syndrome. Investigators will seek patients with myofasical pain syndrome as well as healthy subjects for this study. Electrical impedance myography (EIM), myofiber threshold tracking (TT) excitability testing, and ultrasound with shear wave elastography (SWE) measurements will be obtained from the trapezius muscle (the muscle that extends over the back of the neck and shoulders). These measurements will be repeated within 2-5 days to assess repeatability of these methods.

Investigating the Minimum Number of Needling Required to Optimize Trigger Point Injections Outcome

Myofascial pain is a common condition in which patients may experience severe chronic pain. The source of this pain is typically the soft tissue. Current methods to address myofascial pain include a procedure called Trigger point Injections. This method involves identifying the areas of muscles that are causing the pain. The most common way to perform trigger point injection involves infiltrating the muscle with local anesthetics and then repeatedly passing the numbing needle in and out of the muscles (needling). This procedure is successful for most patients. However, there is great variability in the way needling is done. Some pain physicians perform 1-2 needle passes while other pain physicians may exceed 20 passes. There are currently no guidelines as to the number or amount of needle passes needed to achieve pain control. Furthermore, there is no study or research to shed light on the relationship between the number of needles passes and the degree and duration of pain relief coupled with patients' satisfaction. This study is proposed to address this gap in knowledge. It is a prospective and randomized clinical trial that follows the standard of care. The investigators will recruit patients from The University-Banner Medical Center at Tucson, Arizona chronic pain clinic who are candidates for trigger point injections. The participants will be randomized into 3 different groups. Group one will receive 2 needle passes per identified trigger point. Group two will receive ten needle passes per identified trigger point. Group three will receive twenty needle passes per identified trigger point. The investigators will analyze the data to understand the relationship between the number of needles passes and the degree of pain relief, improved functional capacity, and patients' satisfaction.

Multi-modal Imaging of Myofascial Pain - Phase 2

The goal of this study is to evaluate imaging biomarkers for quantitative assessments of myofascial pain and determine their ability to monitor treatment response and predict clinical outcomes.

Multi-modal Imaging of Myofascial Pain

The goal of this study is to develop new imaging biomarkers for quantitative assessments of myofascial pain.

Effects of Core Strengthening Exercises for Treating TMD

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are commonly managed with non-invasive interventions such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, relaxation techniques, and patient education. Core strengthening (also known as abdominal strengthening) is a fundamental element of physical therapy that engages deep and superficial trunk musculature to enhance postural control and functional performance. Protocols such as the Shirley Sahrmann progression have demonstrated increased activation of key core stabilizing muscles. Emerging evidence suggests a potential relationship between core stability training and reductions in TMD-related pain, though improvements in functional outcomes remain inconclusive. Biomechanical links between the pelvic floor, spine, and temporomandibular joint further support the rationale for core-focused interventions. Nevertheless, few studies have isolated the effects of core strengthening on TMD symptomatology. This study seeks to determine whether the integration of core stability exercises into TMD management can reduce pain, improve function, and enhance quality of life.

Magnetic Resonance Elastography of Myofascial Pain Syndrome

The purpose of this research study is to use a new imaging technique called Magnetic Resonance (MR) Elastography to create new imaging parameters to measure the mechanical properties of myofascial tissues that can be used to assess the impaired myofascial interface in myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).

The Effects of Ultrasound-guided PRF Versus DN in Myofascial Pain Patients

This study aims to compare the effects of pulsed radiofrequency and drying needling and explore the short-term effect of pulsed radiofrequency in treating myofascial pain patients.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Dry Needling, Ischemic Compression, and Cross Taping on Masseter Myofascial Pain

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether Dry Needling, Ischemic Compression, and Cross Tapes work to treat myofascial pain in masseter muscles in adults. It will also learn about the safety of this treatment. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Do Dry Needling, Ischemic Compression, and Cross Tapes relieve masseter muscle pain? * Which of these treatments provides the best relief from masseter muscle pain? Researchers will compare these three treatments to see which is best for treating masseter muscle pain. Participants will: Treated with Dry Needling or Ischemic Compression or Cross Tapes only once Visit the clinic one week, three months, and six months after treatment.

Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation in Individuals With Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction and Myofascial Pain

Telerehabilitation is a treatment method that allows the patient to access treatment remotely, regardless of where they are, thanks to developing technology. Telerehabilitation provides us with opportunities such as patient evaluation, monitoring, therapy, consultation, education and patient follow-up. Within the scope of our study, the effects of applying an exercise program to patients through a home exercise program and telerehabilitation will be investigated. The purpose of this study for individuals with temporomandibular joint dysfunction is; To investigate the effectiveness of exercises for myofascial pain through telerehabilitation in individuals with myofascial pain and TMJ dysfunction.