International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (IJTMB)
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Abdominal Wall-targeted Myofascial Release Therapy in Pediatric Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study
No full textBackground: Myofascial release (MFR) is a form of massage therapy that involves identifying and releasing restrictions in the fascia and muscles. MFR-like techniques have shown improvement in abdominal pain, distention, constipation, and quality of life (QoL) in adults. Therefore, MFR may be helpful in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disorder of gut-brain interaction or functional gastrointestinal disorder, mainly presenting with prolonged abdominal pain, bloating, and altered defecation patterns, leading to impairment in QoL. Treatments for IBS are limited and do not always completely relieve pain. To date, no studies have evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of MFR for children with IBS as a potential therapy.
Purpose: The aim of the study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of administering abdominal wall-targeted MFR in children with IBS.
Setting: This study was approved and conducted at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Participants: Males and females aged 13–18 years meeting Rome IV criteria for IBS were included in the study.
Research design: Participants underwent six 1-h weekly sessions of abdominal wall-targeted MFR with a licensed massage therapist (LMT) and performed self-MFR at home between sessions. Feasibility and acceptability data were collected via REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) by the study team and LMTs. Symptoms and QoL were assessed before and after the intervention period using child and parent versions of validated pediatric questionnaires.
Results: Of 10 participants aged 14–18 years, 60% females underwent the MFR intervention and completed the 6-week protocol. The median visit compliance with questionnaire completion was 90%. All participants received self-MFR education and performed self-MFR between sessions. Fascia restrictions were identified and released in all participants, as reported by the LMTs. Most participants voluntarily provided positive feedback on MFR. All participants reported no or minimal soreness during or after MFR, and no adverse events were reported.
Conclusions: Abdominal wall-targeted MFR is feasible to administer and well accepted in pediatric IBS patients
Effect of Ice Massage to Abdomen on Blood Glucose Level and Cardiovascular Function in Healthy Individuals: A Single-group Pre-test and Post-test Experimental Study
No full textBackground: Ice massage is commonly employed in the management of non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes. However, there is a paucity of evidence regarding abdominal ice massage on blood glucose level (BGL) and cardiovascular function either in healthy or pathological conditions. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the effects of ice massage to the abdomen on BGL and cardiovascular functions in healthy individuals.
Materials and methods: In our single-group pre-test and post-test experimental study, 50 healthy (27 females and 23 males) volunteers aged 24.72 ± 5.48 years were recruited. All the subjects underwent only one session of ice massage to the abdomen for 20 min. Random BGL and cardiovascular functions such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse rate (PR), pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP), rate pressure product (RPP), and double product (Do-P) were assessed before, immediately after, and 20 min after the intervention.
Results: The study showed a significant reduction in PR, RPP, and Do-P in the post-test assessments, whereas in the follow-up assessment (i.e., 20 min after the intervention), a significant reduction was found in random blood glucose, SBP, DBP, PR, MAP, RPP, and Do-P compared to the pre-test assessments. No adverse effects were reported by any of the participants during and after the intervention.
Conclusion: Twenty minutes of ice massage to the abdomen improves cardiovascular function immediately after the intervention, whereas after 20 min of intervention, it reduces BGL in addition to improving cardiovascular function in healthy individuals. However, longterm randomized controlled trials in patients with diabetes are recommended with a larger sample size to warrant the clinical efficacy of this study
Ergonomic Considerations for Practicing Massage Therapists
No full textThe physical demands and repetitive movements performed by massage therapists during a treatment increase the risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders. While massage therapy meets the level of heavy physical demand, the ergonomic risk of performing a massage was previously unknown. The Massage Therapy Foundation undertook a job task analysis to be used by educators, employers, and clinicians to create an optimal work environment. Data collected via survey were used to create the protocol for an onsite data collection where massage therapists were evaluated on the ergonomic risk factors by trained ergonomists. The results of the job task analysis found the highest variability in movement when the massage therapist was treating the neck prone, neck supine, and leg prone. When the massage therapists did not change positions during a stroke, there was increased forward flexion of the trunk which increased postural stress on the extensors of the back and neck. Strokes such as effleurage which can span the entire length of the body part had the highest cumulative load, requiring postures that put mild biomechanical stress on the shoulders (90% of the time), neck (70% of the time), and trunk (60% of the time). The forward-bending posture of the massage therapist increases the eccentric demands of the therapist’s neck and back musculature, thereby increasing fatigue and leading to an increase in the chance of overuse injury. The job task analysis recommends the massage therapist monitor the duration of application in an unsupported position, take more time between sessions, work in an optimum environment, including correct table height, and have a healthy, active lifestyle to maintain career longevity
Use of Practice-Based Research Networks in Massage Therapy Research
No full textMassage therapy is a profession, not simply an intervention, and pathways are needed to connect all key massage therapy profession components—clinicians, patient/clients, and the work—to the scholarship and research that describes, investigates, and shapes practice. While the volume of massage-related research has grown over the past few decades, much of the growing massage evidence base is not reflective of real-world massage therapy, nor is research typically conducted through the clinical lens of the massage therapy discipline. This situation reflects the unfortunate disconnect between massage therapy research and massage therapy practice, while magnifying a key research infrastructure deficiency within the massage therapy discipline: the who and where research is conducted is disconnected from the who and where massage therapy is practiced. Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) are a staple of primary care and other health professions research reflecting real life, discipline-focused practice that seeks to address the needs of the discipline’s practitioners and patients. The PBRN model fits well with the directional need of massage therapy research. This paper presents a commentary on the use of PBRNs in massage therapy research, and the current state of PBRN research within the field of massage therapy, namely the recently launched MassageNet PBRN
Effect of Lavender Oil Leg Massage on Physical, Cognitive, and Psychological Variables of Patients with Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial
No full textBackground: Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most important non-communicable risk factors that cause cardiovascular diseases. Complementary therapies including massage and aromatherapy are widely used in the management of HTN. However, studies on aromatherapy massage in HTN are limited. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of lavender oil leg massage on physical (cardio pulmonary function), cognitive, and psychological variables of patients with HTN.
Materials and methods: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial, comprising 100 HTN patients aged 44.99 ± 5.39 years who were recruited and randomly divided into the study group (SG) and control group (CG), was conducted. The SG received lavender oil leg massage, while the CG received supine rest for 20 min. Outcome variables like blood pressure (BP), pulse rate (PR), random blood sugar (RBS) level, oxygen saturation, pulmonary function, oral temperature, trail making test (TMT) A and B, and state anxiety and mindfulness were assessed before and after the intervention.
Results: The within-group analysis showed a significant improvement in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, PR, RBS, TMT-A, TMT-B, and state mindfulness both in the SG and CG. However, a significant reduction in state anxiety was observed only in the SG unlike the CG. Moreover, the between-group analysis showed a significant improvement in state mindfulness and state anxiety in the SG compared to the CG.
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that lavender oil leg massage is effective in reducing BP and RBS, and improving cognitive function in hyperten-sive patients. In addition, it is more effective in reducing anxiety and improving mindfulness than rest in supine position in patients with HTN
The Relationships Between Psychosocial Factors and Short-Term Treatment Outcomes of Massage Therapy in Patients with Myogenic Temporomandibular Disorders: A Single-Arm Preliminary Study
No full textBackground: Massage therapy is included as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). However, it displayed varying degrees of success. Pre-existing psychosocial impairments may be one of the possible factors affecting the treatment response. This preliminary study aimed to investigate the relationships between psychological factors and treatment outcomes of massage therapy in myogenous TMD patients.
Methods: Twenty-two myogenous TMD patients were enrolled in this single-arm preliminary study. Baseline psycho social assessment was done using self-report measures associated with chronic pain severity, depression, anxiety, and non- specific physical symptoms. Massage therapy including the intraoral and extraoral massage of the face and neck muscles was performed twice a week for 4 weeks. Pain intensity and quality of life related to oral health were evaluated as treatment outcomes before and im mediately after eight sessions of massage therapy.
Results: Regression analyses showed a significant effect of depression on changes in the quality of life after massage (β = 0.35, p-value = 0.026). In addition, results showed a significant effect of chronic pain severity on changes in the pain intensity following massage (β = 1.50, p-value = 0.027).
Conclusion: Our findings suggested that psychosocial characteristics of myogenous TMD patients should be considered as important factors that may adversely affect pain intensity reduction and quality-of-life improvement after short-term massage therapy
Thank you to the IJTMB Authors, Reviewers, and Readers
No full textThis editorial reflects on the continued professionalization of therapeutic massage and bodywork (TMB) in 2024 through collaboration, growth, and enhanced communication, as highlighted by the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (IJTMB). Key achievements include the publication of high-quality articles and editorials that explore diverse areas of research, clinical practice, and education. We express deep gratitude to the authors, reviewers, readers, and funders who have supported the journal’s mission to advance the profession. Looking ahead to 2025, we invite continued contributions from our community and highlight an upcoming special edition on the intersection of mental health and massage therapy. As always, the journal remains a vital platform for sharing insights and fostering professional growth within the TMB field
Exploring the Efficacy of Plantar Reflexology as a Complementary Approach for Headache Management: A Comprehensive Review
No full textBackground: Headaches are a prevalent health issue affecting diverse populations worldwide, driving a growing interest in complementary therapies like reflexology. This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the potential of plantar reflexology as a complementary approach for managing headaches.
Methods: Employing a systematic approach, databases were scoured for studies on plantar reflexology’s efficacy in headache management. From 23 initial contenders, three studies meeting the inclusion criteria, two randomized controlled trials and a pilot study, were examined for treatment efficacy and quality.
Results: Our review highlights three primary studies, collectively indicating a significant enhancement in treatment efficacy within the plantar reflexology groups when compared to control groups. These findings suggest that plantar reflexology exhibits potential as an effective complementary therapy for managing headaches. However, in light of these promising results, a more cautious approach is advisable. There is a pressing need for more rigorous and high-quality research to substantiate these outcomes in real-world contexts and applications.
Conclusion: Plantar reflexology emerges as an option within the field of headache management. While its efficacy is promising, the specific mechanisms behind its action require further investigation. Positioned among a range of treatment modalities, plantar reflexology distinguishes itself as a safe and non-invasive alternative. This review underscores the necessity for additional research, encouraging the scientific community to delve into this intriguing avenue for headache relief and expand our comprehension of its potential advantages
Effectiveness of Medical Massage in Reducing Neck Pain Among Multiple Occupational Groups: A Longitudinal Study
No full textBackground: Neck pain is a common complaint affecting people across various professions, especially those involving prolonged sedentary activities.
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of medical massage in reducing neck pain among diverse occupational groups in North Macedonia over a 3-year period (2019–2022).
Methods: A total of 127 participants from various professions such as information technology professionals, bank accountants, textile workers, business sector employees, and secretaries were subjected to one or two massages per month. Pain intensity was measured using a numerical rating scale at the start and throughout the study. The statistical methods in this research study included descriptive statistics for summarizing demographic data, comparative analyses to assess the effectiveness of massage therapy on pain reduction, and inferential statistics to determine significance levels and correlations within the data.
Results: At the beginning of the study, participants reported an average pain intensity level of 7 on a numerical rating scale from 1 to 10. Over the study period, consistent massage therapy led to a significant reduction in neck pain, with participants reporting an average pain level of 2 in the final months. Crucially, the research revealed that discontinuation of massage sessions, as observed in a subset of respondents who abstained for approximately 4 months, resulted in an escalation of pain intensity. This finding draws attention to the importance of regular massage therapy in sustaining pain relief benefits.
Conclusion: The study’s outcomes focus on the effectiveness of medical massage in managing neck pain across various occupational backgrounds. This research provides valuable perception in the potential long-term benefits of massage therapy, accenting the need for continued treatment to maintain pain relief among people exposed to neck and back pain. These findings offer essential guidance to healthcare professionals and individuals seeking non-pharmacological inter ventions for chronic neck pain management
The Pillars of the IJTMB—a Focus on Research
No full textThe International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (IJTMB) serves as a dedicated platform for advancing the therapeutic massage and bodywork profession through research, practice, and education. In this article, the focus is on the critical aspect of research, exploring various methodologies and methods to unveil the complexities within therapeutic massage and bodywork research. The IJTMB emphasizes the importance of diversifying research types, considering carefully the methods used, and placing all decisions for research study design and methods within relevant ethical considerations. The necessity of knowledge translation, pushing researchers to disseminate their findings widely, and bridging the gap between research and practice for the betterment of the profession and the broader community are emphasized. The IJTMB remains committed to inspiring and facilitating this vibrant exchange of knowledge within the TMB community, thereby advancing the field