Evaluating a new manual therapy for jaw disorders

Investigation of the Effectiveness of Manual Therapy Based on Fascial Distortion Model in Individuals With Temporomandibular Disorder: A Randomized Sham-controlled Trial

NA · Karabuk University · NCT06627855

This study is testing a new hands-on treatment for people with jaw disorders to see if it helps reduce pain and improve their quality of life compared to a fake treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 64 Years
SexAll
SponsorKarabuk University (other)
Locations1 site (Merkez, Karabük Province)
Trial IDNCT06627855 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of Manual Therapy based on the Fascial Distortion Model for individuals suffering from temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Participants diagnosed with TMD will be randomly assigned to receive either the manual therapy or a sham treatment over a four-week period. Various assessments will be conducted to evaluate head posture, joint range of motion, pain intensity, and overall quality of life. The goal is to determine if this innovative therapy can provide significant improvements compared to a placebo.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders experiencing jaw, face, or neck pain for at least three months.

Not a fit: Patients with systemic diseases affecting the temporomandibular joint or those who have had recent surgical interventions in the cranio-cervico-facial region may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could offer a new, effective treatment option for patients with temporomandibular disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While the Fascial Distortion Model is a relatively novel approach, similar manual therapy techniques have shown promise in treating musculoskeletal disorders.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Having temporomandibular joint complaints and being diagnosed with temporomandibular disorder according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders Axis I
* Understand and be willing to answer assessment questions
* A temporomandibular joint complaint for the last three months
* Pain in the jaw, face or neck

Exclusion Criteria:

* Has a systemic disease (neurological, rheumatologic, oncologic, etc.) that may affect the temporomandibular joint, cervical spine and/or assessment
* Any history of trauma that may have affected the cranio-cervico-facial region
* Having undergone any surgical intervention in the cranio-cervico-facial region within the last six months
* Receiving surgical treatment, medical treatment, splint therapy or physiotherapy for temporomandibular disorder in the last month
* Radiotherapy in the head and neck region
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Exercise therapy for craniocervical posture for the last month

Where this trial is running

Merkez, Karabük Province

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Temporomandibular Disorders, Manual Therapy, Fascial Distortion, manual therapy, fascial distortion model, temporomandibular disorders, head posture

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.