NCT07278570

Magnetic Resonance Elastography to Monitor Response to Manual Therapy in Myofascial Pain

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 78 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Mayo Clinic · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of this research is to develop and test new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) methods that look at how muscles and tissues under the skin (myofascial tissues) move and respond to pressure. The investigators want to see how these tissues differ between healthy people and people with pain or injury, and how they change after hands-on treatment (Tuina therapy). The results will also be compared to a group that receives standard care without Tuina therapy. The main questions this study aims to answer are: 1. Can MR elastography (MRE) show changes in how the fascia and the layers between muscles move and stretch before and after manual therapy? 2. Do changes seen on MRE scans match changes in pain, function, and other symptoms reported by participants? 3. Can MRE measurements before treatment help predict which participants are most likely to improve with manual therapy? In this randomized controlled trial, participants with myofascial pain will be randomly assigned (randomized) to either the Tuina group or the Usual Care group following a home-based care program without manual therapy. All treatments are noninvasive, hands-on techniques commonly used in clinical practice to reduce tissue tightness and improve movement. Participants will be asked to undergo three MRI scans and to complete questionnaires and other standard clinical assessments about their pain, physical function, and quality of life.

Detailed description

This research study is linked to the prior study NCT05604066 (Magnetic Resonance Elastography of Myofascial Pain Syndrome), which developed and validated the MRE techniques and biomarkers used in the current trial.

Conditions

• Myofascial Pain Syndrome - Lower Back
• Myofascial Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Tuina treatment	Tuina is a manual therapy involving techniques that apply targeted shear and stretching forces along muscular and fascial planes. Tuina therapy will be administered to subjects twice weekly for three consecutive weeks (a total of six sessions). Each session will last 30-60 minutes and will be administered by licensed Tuina practitioners trained and credentialed at Mayo Clinic.
OTHER	Usual care	Standard care will be followed, including a patient education course, lifestyle guidance, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and home remedies.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-01
• Primary completion: 2027-08-30
• Completion: 2027-08-30
• First posted: 2025-12-12
• Last updated: 2026-02-03

Locations

2 sites across 1 country: United States