Comparing Telehealth Physical Self-Regulation and Psycho-education for Adults with Chronic Masticatory Muscle Pain

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate a brief telehealth behavioral intervention called Physical Self-Regulation PSR-TH compared to a control intervention psycho-education for adults with chronic masticatory muscle pain disorders MMPD, including conditions like myofascial pain and local myalgia. MMPD is a common cause of chronic facial pain affecting 5-12% of adults and is linked to significant daily life interference and healthcare costs. The study seeks to assess feasibility, treatment effects, and biopsychosocial factors that influence outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either two 50-minute telehealth sessions of PSR-TH or two similar sessions of a psycho-education control, spaced approximately two weeks apart. PSR-TH sessions focus on habit monitoring exercises and diaphragmatic breathing practice, while the control sessions cover nerve function, anatomy, posture, stress biology, and sleep hygiene. Both interventions are delivered remotely using telehealth technology. During the study, participants will provide data at baseline, after each intervention session, two weeks post-intervention, and at three months follow-up. Assessments include measures of pain intensity, pain interference, quality of life, treatment acceptability, credibility, interventionist fidelity, and participant burden. The study also tracks recruitment and retention rates to evaluate feasibility. The total involvement spans about 15 weeks from baseline to final follow-up.

K23- Physical Self Regulation vs Placebo