Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 25 to 45

Effects of dry needling and myofascial massage on jaw joint dysfunction

Official title: Comparison of Effects Of Dry Needling And Myofascial Massage Therapy On Masseter Muscle In Patients With Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Run by Riphah International University · NCT06708377 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether dry needling or myofascial massage can help people with jaw joint problems open their mouths better.

More Temporomandibular Joint Disorders trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages25 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
Enrollment24 (estimated)
SponsorRiphah International University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Islamabad, Federal)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 3, 2024
Main results expectedDecember 3, 2024
Study endsDecember 13, 2024
Registry record updatedNovember 27, 2024
Trial IDNCT06708377 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 25 to 45 with TMJ dysfunction and limited mouth opening.

Probably not a fit

Patients with conditions such as Bell's palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, or those who have undergone TMJ surgery may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial compares the effects of dry needling and myofascial massage therapy on the masseter muscle in patients suffering from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. Conducted at Riphah International University and other clinics in Islamabad, the study involves 24 participants aged 25 to 45 with reduced mouth opening due to TMJ dysfunction. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups, and their progress is monitored over six months using various assessment tools. Data is collected at baseline, one week, and three weeks post-intervention to evaluate the effectiveness of each treatment approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide effective non-surgical treatment options for patients suffering from TMJ dysfunction.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with similar therapeutic approaches, indicating potential for success in this trial.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants with TMJ dysfunction
* A mouth opening of less than 39 mm for males and 36mm for females
* Patients with Trigger points in tout band of masseter
* Mild to moderate pain on NPRS
* 45-75 points on Fonseca's questionnaire

Exclusion Criteria:

* Bell's palsy
* Trigeminal neuralgia
* Wearing any form of dental prosthesis
* Any form of surgery in or around the TMJ
* History of trauma or fracture in and around the TMJ
* Not consenting to take part in the study

Where it's running

  • Riphah International University
    Islamabad, Federal, Pakistan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.