TRIGGER POINT DRY NEEDLING FOR PAIN, FUNCTION, AND MOUTH OPENING IN ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS: A PILOT FEASIBILITY STUDY

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic, progressive oral potentially malignant disorder characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the oral mucosa, causing trismus, pain, and functional limitation. Conventional treatments offer variable relief, prompting interest in minimally invasive adjuncts. Trigger point dry needling (TrP-DN) uses filiform needles to target myofascial trigger points, reducing pain, normalizing muscle tone, and improving function. Purpose is to evaluate feasibility, safety, and preliminary effects of TrP-DN on pain intensity, maximal mouth opening, and jaw functional limitation in Stage I or II OSF patients.