Tuina Treatment for Myofascial Pain
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests how muscles and tissues under the skin respond to a massage-like treatment called Tuina for individuals with myofascial pain. Researchers aim to determine if changes in muscle movement during an MRI scan correspond with changes in pain or function after Tuina therapy. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving Tuina therapy along with usual care, and the other receiving only usual care. This trial suits adults with chronic low back pain lasting at least three months and a specific tender spot in their muscles. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to explore the potential benefits of Tuina therapy for chronic pain relief.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that these MRI methods are safe for examining myofascial tissues?
Research has shown that Tuina therapy is generally safe, though mild side effects can occur. In studies, about 20% of participants reported minor issues such as skin bruising or discomfort during or after treatment. However, many studies have not identified any serious side effects. This suggests that Tuina is well-tolerated, with only minor, temporary side effects for some individuals.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about Tuina therapy for myofascial pain because it offers a hands-on approach that is different from the usual care, which often includes medications and physical therapy. Tuina is a traditional Chinese massage technique that uses specific hand movements to target muscle knots and improve blood flow, potentially providing pain relief without drugs. This manual therapy could offer a new option for people who prefer non-pharmacological treatments, and it might work faster than some standard methods, providing relief in just a few weeks.
What evidence suggests that Tuina treatment might be an effective treatment for myofascial pain?
Research shows that Tuina therapy can reduce pain and improve muscle function. Some studies found Tuina more effective in easing chronic low back pain than other treatments. In this trial, one group of participants will receive Tuina therapy alongside usual care, while another group will receive only usual care. A review of several studies found that Tuina, when combined with treatments like neck traction, significantly improved pain levels. Although treatments involving manipulation for muscle pain have been effective, the results are not always strong. Overall, Tuina therapy has shown promise in relieving pain and improving function, especially when combined with other methods.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Ziying Yin, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
Mayo Clinic
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with Myofascial Pain Syndrome. Participants should be willing to undergo MRI scans and complete questionnaires about their pain and physical function. The study excludes those who cannot have MRIs or may not safely receive manual therapy.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive Tuina therapy twice weekly for three weeks or usual care only
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in pain, function, and other symptoms post-treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Tuina treatment
- Usual care
Trial Overview
The study tests if Magnetic Resonance Elastography can track changes in muscle movement and response to pressure after Tuina therapy, a hands-on treatment, compared to usual care without this therapy in people with myofascial pain.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants will receive Tuina therapy twice weekly for three consecutive weeks (a total of six sessions) in addition to usual care.
Participants will receive usual care only for three weeks, no additional manual therapy will be provided.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Mayo Clinic
Lead Sponsor
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
Collaborator
Citations
Effect of tuina at different muscle positions on surface ...
However, the muscle-start-end tuina method exhibits superior outcomes in symptom alleviation, muscle tension reduction, and enhancement of ...
Use of Massage Therapy for Pain, 2018-2023
Compared with active therapy, “Tuina might have a positive effect in reducing pain” in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Skelly ...
Clinical efficacy of Tuina therapy combined with traditional ...
Tuina and traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) are effective in relieving pain and restoring dysfunction, and both are often used in China ...
4.
dovepress.com
dovepress.com/manipulative-treatment-of-myofascial-pain-syndrome-a-network-meta-anal-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JPRManipulative treatment of myofascial pain syndrome
Manipulation was an effective treatment for MPS, but the effects were not statistically significant, based on the findings of this study.
Clinical Evidence of Chinese Massage Therapy (Tui Na ...
The meta-analysis from 2 trials revealed significant immediate effects of Tui Na plus cervical traction in improving pain score (MD = −1.73; 95% ...
Effectiveness and Safety of Tuina Therapy Combined With ...
The results of this systematic review will elucidate the efficacy and safety of Tuina combined with Yijinjing for the treatment of neck pain, ...
Efficacy and safety of Tuina for chronic nonspecific low back ...
When considering the safety of Tuina treatment, AEs were reported in 20% of the included studies and mainly were localized skin bruising, pain, ...
Effectiveness and Safety of Tuina Therapy Combined With ...
The results of this systematic review will elucidate the efficacy and safety of Tuina combined with Yijinjing for the treatment of neck pain, ...
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