Latent myofascial trigger point injection improves symptoms in functional gastrointestinal disorders

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common gastrointestinal conditions that significantly impair patient quality of life. Current clinical treatment methods are relatively limited, making the search for more effective therapeutic strategies critically important. Latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) injection, as an emerging minimally invasive treatment method, has shown potential in alleviating muscle pain and improving function, but its application in FGIDs remains insufficiently validated.

AIM

To assess improvements in gastrointestinal symptom severity, quality of life indices, and treatment-related adverse events between the two therapeutic approaches.

METHODS

This single-blind randomized controlled study recruited 60 FGIDs patients from Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, randomly divided into an injection group (TI group) and an oral medication group (PO group) at a 1:1 ratio. The TI group received abdominal wall latent MTrPs injection therapy, while the PO group received oral symptomatic medication treatment. Primary outcome measures were gastrointestinal symptom severity scores (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Severity Scoring System scales) at 2 weeks and 4 weeks after treatment completion. Secondary outcome measures included Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index scores. Both groups underwent rigorous follow-up and assessment.

RESULTS

The TI group is anticipated to significantly outperform the PO group in gastrointestinal symptom relief and quality of life improvement. TI group patients are expected to show a notable decrease in symptom scores, increased quality of life index, and higher clinical effectiveness rate. Additionally, the TI group is projected to have a low adverse event rate and good safety profile.

CONCLUSION

Latent MTrPs injection therapy may represent an effective and safe new method for treating FGIDs. Compared to traditional oral medication treatment, this method demonstrates significant advantages in improving patient symptoms and quality of life.

Keywords: Functional gastrointestinal disorders; Latent myofascial trigger points; Injection therapy; Randomized controlled study; Symptom relief

Core Tip: Latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are emerging therapeutic targets for functional gastrointestinal disorders. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness and safety of abdominal wall MTrP injection compared to oral medication. The injection group showed significantly greater improvements in gastrointestinal symptom scores (Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Severity Scoring System scales), quality of life and reduced emergency drug use. Adverse events were fewer and milder than in the control group. This study suggests that latent MTrP injection is a safe, minimally invasive, and promising treatment strategy for functional gastrointestinal disorders, potentially offering a novel approach to symptom relief beyond conventional pharmacotherapy.