Latent myofascial trigger point injection improves symptoms in functional gastrointestinal disorders

Shuo Shang; Yu Liu; Qing-Lin Bai; Zhong Zhang; Jing Liu; Feng Qi

doi:10.4240/wjgs.v17.i12.111359

Latent myofascial trigger point injection improves symptoms in functional gastrointestinal disorders

World J Gastrointest Surg. 2025 Dec 27;17(12):111359. doi: 10.4240/wjgs.v17.i12.111359.

Authors

Shuo Shang^{1

2}, Yu Liu¹, Qing-Lin Bai², Zhong Zhang², Jing Liu¹, Feng Qi³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China.
² Department of Anesthesiology, Ji'nan Zhangqiu District People's Hospital, Jinan 250200, Shandong Province, China.
³ Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China. 198962001111@sdu.edu.cn.

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; Injection therapy; Latent myofascial trigger points; Randomized controlled study; Symptom relief.