Clinical Research Directory

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.

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

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.