Therapeutic Efficacy of Cinnamomum sintoc Aromatherapy Massage Formulation for Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Background/Objectives: Cinnamomum sintoc has been widely used for medicinal purposes and comprises various major components, including 1,8-cineole, α-terpineol, cymene, terpinen-4-ol, and linalool, which are associated with antioxidant, analgesic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. This study aimed to assess the effects of C. sintoc aromatherapy massage oil formulation on physiological and psychological responses of patients with myofascial pain syndrome. Methods: This is a single-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Seventy patients diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome of the trapezius muscle were randomly allocated into two groups: intervention group (aromatherapy massage with C. sintoc essential oil formulation) and control group (aromatherapy massage without C. sintoc essential oil formulation). The physiological and psychological effects were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and seven days following the final intervention. Results: The pain intensity evaluated scores showed a significant improvement immediately after the intervention and throughout the follow-up evaluation as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The cervical spine’s mobility and neck disability index results demonstrated comparable enhancements in both the intervention and control groups; however, shoulder mobility and flexibility revealed a notable improvement post-therapy in only the intervention group. Notably, the patients’ subjective emotional states significantly improved immediately regarding relaxation, stress, enthusiasm, refreshment, stillness, and happiness on post-intervention and follow-up assessment, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Over the course of the study, the patients did not indicate any adverse effects from the C. sintoc massage oil formulation. Conclusions: The finding indicated that C. sintoc massage oil formulation effectively improved pain intensity and enhanced psychological well-being in patients with myofascial pain syndrome associated with the trapezius muscle.