Magnetic Resonance Elastography to Monitor Response to Manual Therapy in Myofascial Pain
Mayo Clinic
78 participants
Feb 1, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
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.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria6
- Adult males or females (age ≥ 18 years)
- A history of chronic low back for at least 3 months. (Measured by patient history and physical exam)
- A palpable taut band or nodule within the skeletal muscle
- Hypersensitive tender spot within the taut band
- Recognition of current pain complaint by pressure on the tender nodule/taut band
- Painful limit to the full stretch range of motion
Exclusion Criteria8
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Any contraindication to an MRI exam, or severe claustrophobia that would prevent safe completion of the scan
- Previous therapy in the area to be treated within 3 months
- Previous severe back injury (including fracture) or surgery
- Any neurological conditions or active systemic disease (e.g. diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis) that impaired sensation/pain perception
- Severe osteoarthritis
- Skin injuries in the area to be treated
- Inability to provide consent.
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Interventions
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.
Standard care will be followed, including a patient education course, lifestyle guidance, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and home remedies.
Locations(2)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT07278570