Clinical Research Directory

Kinesio Taping for Upper Trapezius Myofascial Trigger Points

Myofascial pain syndrome is one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal pain, and the upper trapezius is the muscle most frequently affected in the neck and shoulder region. Kinesio taping is a non-invasive, painless and low-cost method that is increasingly used in the treatment of myofascial trigger points, but its true therapeutic effect beyond placebo has not been clearly established. The purpose of this randomized, sham-controlled trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of kinesio taping applied with the muscle inhibition technique on myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscle. Forty patients with an active myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either therapeutic kinesio taping or sham taping (20 patients per group). Both groups will receive four applications over two weeks (twice weekly). The primary outcome is the pressure pain threshold measured with a digital algometer. Secondary outcomes are pain intensity, trapezius muscle thickness measured by B-mode ultrasonography, and muscle stiffness assessed by strain elastography. All outcomes are assessed at baseline, on day 3, and at the end of the two-week treatment period.

Ischemic Compression and Low-Level Laser Therapy for Myofascial Low Back Pain

This randomized controlled study will compare the effects of ischemic compression combined with exercise, low-level laser therapy combined with exercise, and sham low-level laser therapy combined with exercise in adults with subacute or chronic myofascial low back pain. Participants will be assigned to one of three treatment groups. Outcomes will include pain intensity measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and disability measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and at a 1-month follow-up.

Predictors of Treatment Expectations in Myofascial Pain Syndrome

This cross-sectional study aims to determine the predictors of treatment expectations in individuals with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). MPS is one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal pain and is associated with reduced quality of life. Patients' pre-treatment expectations are known to influence clinical outcomes, yet the factors that predict these expectations have not been established. Adults diagnosed with MPS who are scheduled to receive physiotherapy complete measures of treatment expectations, pain intensity and duration, health-related quality of life, and fatigue. Multiple regression analysis is used to examine the extent to which pain intensity, pain duration, quality of life, and fatigue predict treatment expectations.

Comparing Two Muscle Relaxation Techniques for Neck Pain

Levator scapulae muscle tightness is a common cause of neck pain due to poor posture. This study compares two manual therapy techniques: Positional Release Technique (PRT) and Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR). The goal is to determine which technique is more effective at reducing pain, improving neck range of motion, and decreasing functional disability in patients with this condition. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either PRT or PIR for 4 weeks

Myofascial Release and Positional Release Techniques in Unilateral Trapezitis

Unilateral trapezitis is characterized by upper trapezius myofascial pain and trigger points and commonly causes neck pain, restricted cervical range of motion (ROM), and functional disability. While myofascial release (MFR) and positional release technique (PRT) are widely used, their comparative effectiveness remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of MFR versus PRT combined with conventional exercises on pain, cervical lateral flexion ROM, and neck disability in young adults with unilateral trapezitis. Thirty participants (aged 20-25 years) with unilateral trapezitis were randomly assigned to two groups (n=15 each). Group A received MFR plus conventional treatment (active neck movements, trapezius stretching), while Group B received PRT plus the same conventional treatment. Interventions were delivered 3 days/week for 20 minutes/session over 2 months. Outcomes included Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), goniometric cervical lateral flexion ROM (affected/unaffected sides), and Neck Disability Index (NDI), measured pre- and post-intervention. Both MFR and PRT effectively improved pain, ROM, and disability in unilateral trapezitis. PRT demonstrated greater short-term benefits for pain reduction and functional improvement, suggesting it as the preferred initial intervention when rapid symptomatic relief is prioritized.

Treatment of Pectoralis Trigger Points in Patients With Pseudo Angina

Pseudo-angina is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by chest pain that resembles angina but occurs due to non-cardiac causes, particularly myofascial trigger points in the chest wall muscles. Trigger points in the pectoralis major and minor muscles may contribute to pain, discomfort, and functional limitations by affecting muscle activity and movement. Manual therapy techniques such as the Graston Technique and Local Ischemic Compression (LIC) are commonly used to manage soft tissue dysfunction and myofascial trigger points. This study aims to compare the effects of the Graston Technique and Local Ischemic Compression on pain reduction and functional improvement in patients with pseudo-angina.

Comparative Analysis of Dry Needling Techniques for Orofacial Myofascial Pain

This study aims to compare the clinical effectiveness and individual comfort of three distinct dry needling techniques (dynamic, static, and hybrid) for managing orofacial myofascial pain. Myofascial pain is a highly prevalent manifestation of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), characterized by painful trigger points in the masticatory muscles, such as the masseter and temporalis, which cause pain, muscle tenderness, and jaw movement limitations. While dry needling is widely recognized as an effective minimally invasive therapy to deactivate these trigger points, there is still a lack of consensus in scientific literature regarding the standardization of application protocols. To address this gap, this randomized, triple-blind, parallel-group clinical trial will enroll 45 individuals diagnosed with myofascial pain according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). Participants will be randomly allocated into three equal groups (15 individuals per group): Group 1 will receive dynamic dry needling (fanning technique); Group 2 will receive static dry needling (needle kept in situ for 10 minutes); and Group 3 will receive a hybrid approach (combining an initial static period followed by dynamic manipulation). The primary outcome will evaluate changes in self-reported pain intensity using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) from baseline to 7 days post-intervention. Secondary outcomes will assess changes in pressure pain thresholds (PPT) via digital algometry, mandibular range of motion via digital caliper measurements, and the subjective perception of comfort and acceptability of each technique. Evaluations will be conducted at baseline, immediately post-intervention, at 7 days, and at 15 days of follow-up. The findings are expected to contribute to the standardization of more effective and comfortable clinical protocols for managing orofacial pain.

Immediate Effect of Dry Needling on Calf Muscles Pain Pressure Threshold,Sprint Speed and Functional Performance in Amateur Football Player

This randomised single-blind trial will evaluate the immediate effect of a single session of dry needling versus sham needling on calf muscle myofascial trigger points among amateur football players aged 18-25 years. Primary and secondary outcomes are Pressure Pain Threshold (algometer), Sprint Speed (shuttle run test), and Functional Performance (single-leg hop). Outcomes will be measured immediately pre- and post-intervention. Data analysis will be performed in SPSS version 27 using paired and independent t-tests (p \< 0.05).

Post-Isometric Relaxation in Temporomandibular Disorders

This planned randomized, single-blind clinical trial will investigate the effects of adding the Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) technique to a standard postural exercise program in individuals with moderate to severe temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). Forty volunteers aged 18-25 years will be recruited and randomly assigned to either an experimental group (postural exercises + PIR) or a control group (postural exercises only). The intervention will be delivered three times per week for six weeks. Primary outcomes will include cervical range of motion, mandibular mobility, head anterior tilt, and thoracic kyphosis index, measured before and after the intervention. The study aims to determine whether PIR provides additional benefits to standard postural exercises in improving jaw and neck function and postural alignment in young adults with TMD.

Manual Therapy Techniques for Cervical Pain: Algometric Evaluation

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of different manual therapy techniques in the treatment of cervical pain related to the upper trapezius muscle. The intervention will compare the effects of superficial massage, deep massage, and pressure release technique on pain intensity, assessed through algometry. Additionally, the study aims to determine whether the application of passive stretching following manual treatment leads to a significantly greater reduction in pain compared to groups that do not receive stretching. Finally, the persistence of treatment effects will be evaluated one and two weeks after the intervention.