Myofascial release technique for menstrual pain relief in women

Effect of Myofascial Release Technique on Central Sensitization, Myofascial Trigger Point and Menstrual Symptoms in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea: Sham-Controlled, Randomized Double-Blind Study

NA · Gazi University · NCT06492148

This study is testing if a special massage technique can help relieve menstrual pain in women aged 18-40.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexFemale
SponsorGazi University (other)
Locations1 site (Ankara)
Trial IDNCT06492148 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of the myofascial release technique in alleviating primary dysmenorrhea symptoms in women aged 18-40. Participants will be assessed for musculoskeletal pain thresholds and randomized into two groups: one receiving the myofascial release treatment and the other receiving a sham treatment. The interventions will occur over 10 sessions during one menstrual cycle, with evaluations conducted before and after the treatment period to measure changes in pain and function. The study employs a double-blind design to ensure unbiased results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18-40 diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea who experience significant menstrual pain.

Not a fit: Patients with secondary dysmenorrhea, those who have given birth, or individuals with serious underlying health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce menstrual pain and improve quality of life for women suffering from primary dysmenorrhea.

How similar studies have performed: While the myofascial release technique is a recognized therapy, this specific application for primary dysmenorrhea is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in previous studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with Primary Dysmenorrhea according to the Primary Dysmenorrhea Consensus Guide,
* Having regular menstruation in the last 6 months (28±7 days)
* Those who had menstrual pain between 40 mm and 100 mm according to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in the last 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with Secondary Dysmenorrhea,
* Having given birth,
* Those with serious gastrointestinal, urogynecological, or autoimmune diseases or other chronic pain syndromes,
* Undergoing urogynecological surgery,
* Those who are pregnant or suspected of pregnancy,
* Those who use analgesics or non-pharmacological agents other than NSAIDs for menstrual pain,
* Those using intrauterine or oral contraceptives,
* Those taking extra supplements such as magnesium, which may affect treatment

Where this trial is running

Ankara

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: Dysmenorrhea Primary, Central Sensitisation, Myofascial Trigger Point Pain, Menstrual Discomfort, Myofascial Release, myofascial release, trigger point, Central sensitization

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.