Clinical Research Directory

the Study Aim to Evaluate the Combined Therapeutic Effects of Dry Needling and Phonophoresis on Myofascial Trigger Points in Patient Suffering From Cervical Spine Postural Deviations. it Focuses on How These Interventions Help Reduce Pain, Relieve Muscle Spasm and Improve Functional Outcomes

Postural deviations of the cervical spine, particularly forward head posture (FHP) and altered cervical lordosis, are increasingly common in individuals with prolonged use of computers, mobile phones, and poor sitting posture. These deviations lead to muscular imbalances where weak deep cervical stabilizers coexist with tight, overactive muscles such as the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid. The biomechanical consequences include excessive stress on cervical joints, impaired proprioception, reduced cervical range of motion, and a predisposition to chronic neck pain, cervicogenic headaches, and even temporomandibular disorders. Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius are frequently implicated in these conditions, contributing to pain, stiffness, and sensorimotor dysfunction. Trigger points are characterized by taut muscle bands, localized hypoxia, biochemical mediators of pain, and neuromuscular hyperexcitability. Treatments such as dry needling (DN) aim to mechanically disrupt this pain-spasm cycle by reducing motor end plate irritability and sympathetic overactivity, whereas phonophoresis (PH) enhances trans-dermal absorption of anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs using ultrasound, providing a non-invasive alternative for pain management. Given the high prevalence of cervical postural deviations and the burden of associated pain and disability, there is a need to identify the most effective intervention for MTrPs in this population. This study, therefore, proposes a randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of dry needling and phonophoresis on pain, cervical range of motion, and postural correction in patients with FHP and altered cervical lordosis. The findings aim to guide clinicians in selecting evidence-based treatments to optimize outcomes for patients with cervical spine abnormalities. Study Design: Randomized Control Trial No of groups: 40 (men and women aged 20-55 year) 20 receiving phonophoresis and 20 receiving Dry Needling. Outcomes: 1. Reduction in Neck Pain 2. Cervical Range of Motion

PRP vs PRP+Betamethasone vs Betamethasone Injection for Upper Trapezius Myofascial Pain

Brief Summary Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by active trigger points (TrPs), which are hypersensitive, painful nodules within taut bands of skeletal muscle. The upper trapezius muscle is one of the most frequently affected sites. Trigger point injection (TPI) is a widely used minimally invasive treatment for patients who are refractory to conservative management. Corticosteroids provide rapid anti-inflammatory effects, whereas platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has regenerative properties through growth factors that may support tissue healing. Despite their widespread use, the optimal injectate for TPI remains unclear. Additionally, the potential benefit of combining PRP with corticosteroids has not been adequately studied in upper trapezius MPS. This study is a single-center, prospective, randomized, assessor-blinded controlled trial designed to compare the clinical effectiveness of three injection protocols: (1) PRP plus bupivacaine, (2) PRP plus betamethasone plus bupivacaine, and (3) betamethasone plus bupivacaine with saline (volume-matched control). A total of 150 patients with a single active trigger point in the upper trapezius will be included. The primary outcome is pain intensity measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include pressure pain threshold (PPT), cervical range of motion (ROM), rescue analgesic use, recurrence rate, and adverse events at 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. All injections are performed by the same investigator using a palpation-guided technique, and outcome assessments are conducted by a blinded evaluator.

Comparison Between Botox and Magnesium Sulfate Effect in Treatment of Myofascial Pain Trigger Points Within the Masseter Muscle

The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to compare the effectiveness of Botulinum toxin type A, magnesium sulfate and saline injections in treatment of the masseter muscle trigger points, in patients between 16 - 50 years old with myofascial pain with masseter muscle trigger points. The main questions it aims to answer are: * which treatment has longer effect of pain release with the least possible side effects and recurrence rate? * Which treatment has greater impact on improving patient's quality of life? Researchers will compare Botulinum toxin type A, magnesium sulfate to a placebo saline injections in treatment of the masseter muscle trigger points Participants will attend to the clinic 4 times * 1st visit will include taking preoperative records and treatment injection * 2nd visit will be follow up and taking records after 1 month * 3rd visit will be follow up and taking records after 3 months * 4th visit will be follow up and taking records after 6 months