The Immediate Effects of Atlanto-occipital Joint Manipulation and Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition Technique on Active Mouth Opening and Pressure Pain Sensitivity Over Latent Myofascial Trigger Points in the Masticatory Muscles.

The article discusses a study which examined 122 individuals with latent myofacial trigger points (TrPs) in the masticatory muscles. It is noted that the application of an atlanto-occipital thrust manipulation in the masseter and temporalis muscles increases pressure pain thresholds (PPT). Although suboccipital inhibition technique is also observed to have increased PPTs over temporalis TrPs, the effect on the masseter is small. Findings suggest that future studies are needed to determine the clinical relevance of these interventions to curing the pains.