Masseter Muscle Stiffness After Heat Application and Percussion Therapy
NCT ID: NCT07237087
Last Updated: 2025-11-19
Study Results
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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RECRUITING
NA
40 participants
INTERVENTIONAL
2025-11-15
2026-03-31
Brief Summary
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We will measure the muscle stiffness on the surface of the muscle using a special ultrasound probe, with a method called shear wave elastography.
When this muscle is too stiff, it's often linked to jaw pain and problems with the jaw joint - a condition known as Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD).
The goal is to find better treatment options for people with TMD and to collect data using this imaging technique.
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Detailed Description
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The two groups are as follows:
Group A:
First, the stiffness of the masseter muscle in the cheek is measured using ultrasound. Then, we will assess the mouth opening, the muscle's sensitivity to pressure, bite force, and chewing efficiency using several short tests. After that, the masseter muscle will be treated with a massage gun with a soft attachment for 2 minutes. All tests will be repeated after the treatment.
Group B:
First, the stiffness of the masseter muscle in the cheek is measured using ultrasound. Then, we will assess the mouth opening, the muscle's sensitivity to pressure, bite force, and chewing efficiency using several short tests. After that, the masseter muscle will be treated with a heat pad for 20 minutes. The heat pad will be held in place with a strap, and participants may sit and read or relax during the treatment. All tests will be repeated after the treatment.
Each participant will receive both treatments (massage gun and heat pad), but in a different order depending on group assignment. There will be a two-week washout phase between the two treatments to ensure that the effects of the first treatment do not influence the second.
Conditions
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Study Design
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RANDOMIZED
CROSSOVER
TREATMENT
NONE
Study Groups
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Group A: First massage gun, then heat treatment
The massage gun is the new treatment (experimental). Heat treatment is already commonly used for muscle stiffness and could be considered an active comparator. However, since its specific effects on the masseter muscle are not well established, it may also be classified as experimental.
massage gun
The massage gun used in this study will be equipped with a soft attachment designed for use on the face, ensuring safe and comfortable application to the masseter muscle.
heat treatment
The heat treatment will be applied for 20min.
Group B: first heat treatment, then massage gun
The massage gun is the new treatment (experimental). Heat treatment is already commonly used for muscle stiffness and could be considered an active comparator. However, since its specific effects on the masseter muscle are not well established, it may also be classified as experimental.
massage gun
The massage gun used in this study will be equipped with a soft attachment designed for use on the face, ensuring safe and comfortable application to the masseter muscle.
heat treatment
The heat treatment will be applied for 20min.
Interventions
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massage gun
The massage gun used in this study will be equipped with a soft attachment designed for use on the face, ensuring safe and comfortable application to the masseter muscle.
heat treatment
The heat treatment will be applied for 20min.
Other Intervention Names
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria
* Signed written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
* a history of drug ingestion within the past week (e.g. pain relievers, muscle relaxants, botox and anti-inflammatory drugs)
* systemic diseases
* Contraindications listed on the massage-gun instruction manual systemic and related to the use on the masseter area.
18 Years
ALL
Yes
Sponsors
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University Hospital, Zürich
OTHER
University of Zurich
OTHER
Responsible Party
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Principal Investigators
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Mutlu Özcan, Prof. Dr. med. dent.
Role: STUDY_CHAIR
University of Zurich
Locations
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Zentrum für Zahnmedizin
Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland
Countries
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Central Contacts
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Other Identifiers
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2025-00295
Identifier Type: -
Identifier Source: org_study_id
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