Cervical physiotherapy for somatic (cervicogenic) tinnitus: RCT

Record details

Authors: Michiels S, et al.
Journal / source: Manual Therapy (2016)
Design: Randomized immediate-vs-delayed-start trial; 6 weeks / 12 sessions multimodal cervical physiotherapy
Sample: 38 (19 immediate / 19 delayed start)
Primary endpoint: TFI; Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire
Randomized: Yes · Sham/placebo-controlled: No · Independent of the manufacturer: Yes

What this research found

TFI decreased significantly after treatment (p=0.04); neck outcomes improved (p<0.001, sustained). 53% reported substantial tinnitus improvement immediately after treatment — but this was maintained in only 24% at 6-week follow-up.

Positive signal in the somatic subgroup with poor short-term durability; supports 'limited independent' replication for somatic physiotherapy, not more.

Limitations and conflicts of interest

Small; delayed-start control; benefit fades quickly.

Funding / conflicts: Independent.

Primary sources

Used as evidence for

Physiotherapy & TMJ treatment (somatic tinnitus)

This is an original summary from the Tinnitus Evidence verified database, checked against the primary source — not a reproduction of the publisher's abstract.