SynthesisBMC musculoskeletal disorders2023
The effect of therapeutic physical modalities on pain, function, and quality of life in patients with myofascial pain syndrome: a systematic review.
Synthesis in BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 11 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
11 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it, 21 citations in OpenAlex.
- Efficacy of Physical Modalities for Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain After Stroke: A Systematic Review.Journal of neurologic physical therapy : JNPT · 2026Pooled it
- A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Kinesio Taping for Pain Management and Pressure Pain Threshold in Myofascial Pain Syndrome.Pain research & management · 2025Pooled it
- Comparison of the effectiveness of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in myofascial pain syndrome.Turkish journal of medical sciences · 2023Trial
- Non-Invasive Radiofrequency Therapy for Musculoskeletal, Neurological, and Vascular Conditions of the Lower Limb: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Journal of clinical medicine · 2026Review
- Effect of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on myofascial pain modulation in patients with temporomandibular disorder: a prospective crossover study.Clinics (Sao Paulo, Brazil) · 2026Article
- Myofascial pain in older adults: a geroscience-informed framework integrating precision geriatrics and digital therapeutics.Frontiers in aging neuroscience · 2026Review
- Myofascial release therapy in patients with cervical myofascial pain syndrome: A randomized-controlled trial.Turkish journal of physical medicine and rehabilitation · 2025Article
- Review
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome: An Update on Clinical Characteristics, Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment.Muscle & nerve · 2025Review
- Effectiveness of non-invasive ultrasound-guided electrical stimulation of genicular nerves for chronic knee pain: A case report.Medicine · 2025Article
- The Effects of Dry-Needling Therapy on the Quality of Life in Athletes with Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Repeated Measures Design Study.Journal of clinical medicine · 2024Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
10 authors at 2 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundMyofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, which is characterised by myofascial trigger points. Therapeutic physical modalities, as potentially effective treatment options, are commonly used in the clinical setting for the patients with MPS.
objectiveThis systematic review aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of therapeutic physical modalities in the treatment of MPS, investigate its therapeutic mechanisms and provide a scientific evidence-based decision.
methodsAccording to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the PubMed, Cochrane Central Library, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched for randomized controlled clinical studies published from database inception to October 30, 2022. A total of 25 articles met the study inclusion criteria. Data were extracted from these studies and a qualitative analysis was performed.
resultsTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, laser therapy, and other therapeutic physical modalities have been demonstrated to improve the pain symptoms, joint mobility, psychological state, and quality of life in the patients with MPS and no side effects have been reported. The curative effect of therapeutic physical modalities was found to be possibly associated with increased blood perfusion and oxygen supply in ischaemic tissues, reduced hyperalgesia in the peripheral and central nerves, and decreased involuntary muscle contractions.
conclusionThe systematic review has shown that therapeutic physical modalities could provide a safe and effective therapeutic option for MPS. However, the consensus is currently lacking regarding the optimal treatment paradigm, therapeutic parameters, and mutual combination of therapeutic physical modalities. The clinical trials with robust quality are required to further promote the evidence-based application of therapeutic physical modalities for MPS.
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What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.