The Impact of Myofascial Therapy on Connective Tissue

NCT ID: NCT06950541

Last Updated: 2025-04-30

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

295 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2023-07-03

Study Completion Date

2024-07-31

Brief Summary

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The study involved patients who suffered from myofascial pain caused occupational or sports overloads or muscle strains caused by sports or improper preparation for physical activity. The patients had not been previously treated for this reason. The only form of therapy was self-administered over-the-counter painkillers and ointments. Due to lack of relief, patients received one of two types of treatments, myofascial therapy or deep tissue massage. Each group was divided into three subgroups, depending on the location of the symptoms: arm, forearm, calf. The patients received three treatments on alternate days. Ultrasound imaging examination was performed by a physiotherapist, qualified to assess soft tissues using an USG. Two measurements were taken, before and seven days after therapy. To standardise the assessment, ultrasound imaging protocol was used.

The thickness of the fascia was measured by ImageJ software. The aim of the study was an ultrasound imaging assessment of connective tissue of patients undergone myofascial therapy.

Detailed Description

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Conditions

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Painful Fascial Manipulation Fascia Pain Myofascial Pain Myofascial Myofascial Dysfunction

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Blinding Strategy

TRIPLE

Caregivers Investigators Outcome Assessors

Study Groups

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Myofascial therapy

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Myofascial therapy

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

The myofascial therapy in the form of Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) method is based on the idea that issues within the musculoskeletal system stem from deformations or distortions in the fascia. Once the type of deformation is identified, a specific technique is employed by the physiotherapist using their hands and pressure. FDM identifies six types of fascial distortions that can cause pain and other musculoskeletal issues. These distortions include triggerbands, continuum distortions, cylinder distortions, herniated triggerpoints, tectonic fixations, and folding distortions.

Deep Tissue Massage

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Deep Tissue Massage

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

A deep tissue massage is a therapeutic technique that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with chronic pain, muscle tension, or injury recovery.

The physiotherapist uses more intense pressure compared to other massage types, like Swedish massage. The goal is to reach deeper muscle layers to relieve tension and pain. The therapist employs various techniques, including long, slow strokes, deep finger pressure, and friction, also use elbows, knuckles, or forearms to apply pressure to specific areas.

Interventions

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Myofascial therapy

The myofascial therapy in the form of Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) method is based on the idea that issues within the musculoskeletal system stem from deformations or distortions in the fascia. Once the type of deformation is identified, a specific technique is employed by the physiotherapist using their hands and pressure. FDM identifies six types of fascial distortions that can cause pain and other musculoskeletal issues. These distortions include triggerbands, continuum distortions, cylinder distortions, herniated triggerpoints, tectonic fixations, and folding distortions.

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Deep Tissue Massage

A deep tissue massage is a therapeutic technique that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with chronic pain, muscle tension, or injury recovery.

The physiotherapist uses more intense pressure compared to other massage types, like Swedish massage. The goal is to reach deeper muscle layers to relieve tension and pain. The therapist employs various techniques, including long, slow strokes, deep finger pressure, and friction, also use elbows, knuckles, or forearms to apply pressure to specific areas.

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* undergone myofascial therapy
* undergone deep tissue massage
* patients with pain of musculoskeletal origin
* without contraindications to myofascial therapy
* without neurological diseases
* voluntary consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria

* resignation from the study
* lack of patient consent
* cancers
* disturbed continuity of skin tissue at the examination site
* previous surgical procedures at the study site
* large vascular changes
* inflammatory changes in the examined areas of the body
* sensory disturbances in the examined body areas
* resignation from therapy
* changing the type of therapy
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

60 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Adrian Rogala

Principal Investigator

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

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Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw

Warsaw, , Poland

Site Status

Countries

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Poland

References

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Related Links

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Other Identifiers

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JozefPilsudski_U

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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