International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (IJTMB)
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Perceived Pain Responses to Foam Rolling Associate with Basal Heart Rate Variability
No full textBackground: Foam rolling (FR) is a self-myofascial release technique with unclear effects on autonomic functioning, indexed by heart rate variability (HRV). FR can be perceived as painful or relaxing, which may explain interindividual HRV responses.
Purpose: To determine if acute FR alters resting HRV. A secondary aim was to determine if perceived pain during FR would predict HRV responses.
Setting: Academic institution.
Methods: In a randomized, crossover design, healthy adults (50% female) performed total body FR or control on separate days. Perceived pain ratings were obtained following FR of each muscle group and summed to generate an overall perceived pain rating. Seated measures of the mean RR interval and the natural logarithm of the root-mean square of successive RR interval differences (LnRMSSD, a parasympathetic HRV index) were obtained at 5-10 min pre-, 5-10 min post-, and 25-30 min post-FR.
Results: No effects were observed for RR interval (p = .105–.561) or LnRMSSD (p = .110–.129). All effect sizes ranged from trivial–small (0.00–0.26). Changes in RR interval (r = 0.220–0.228, p = .433–.488) and LnRMSSD (r = 0.013–0.256, p = .376–.964) were not associated with pain scale sum. Baseline LnRMSSD was associated with pain scale sum (r = -0.663; p = .001).
Conclusion: FR did not systematically alter HRV, nor did perceived pain ratings predict HRV responses. Those with lower pre-FR HRV reported higher perceived pain during FR. Basal cardiac autonomic activity may, therefore, influence pain sensitivity to FR in healthy adults
Effectiveness of Massage Including Proximal Trigger Point Release for Plantar Fasciitis: a Case Report
No full textBackground: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common degenerative condition of the plantar fascia. Symptoms include tenderness on the plantar surface of the foot, pain on walking after inactivity, and difficulty with daily activities. Rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and manual therapies are frequently used treatments for PF. Trigger point release (TrPR) for PF has been found as a viable treatment option.
Objective: To determine the effects of massage, including proximal TrPR, for pain and functional limitations in a patient with PF.
Method: A student massage therapist from MacEwan University administered five massages, one initial and one final assessment over five weeks to a 46-yearold female with diagnosed PF. She complained of unilateral plantar heel pain (PHP) and deep pulling from mid-glutes to the distal lower limb bilaterally. Evaluation involved active and passive range of motion, myotomes, dermatomes, reflexes, and orthopedic tests. The treatment aim was to decrease PHP by releasing active trigger points (TrPs) along the posterior lower extremity to the plantar surface of the foot, lengthening the associated muscles and plantar fascia. Hydrotherapy, Swedish massage, TrPR, myofascial release, and stretches were implemented. Pain was measured using the numerical rating scale pre- and post-treatments, and the Foot Function Index was used to assess function at the first, middle, and last appointments to assess the effectiveness of massage including proximal TrPR for PF.
Results: PHP and functional impairments decreased throughout the fiveweek period.
Conclusion: The results indicate massage, including proximal TrPR, may decrease pain and functional impairments in patients with PF. Further research is necessary to measure its efficacy and confirm TrPR as a treatment option
The effectiveness of Chair Massage on Stress and Pain in Oncology
No full textBackground: There is a high prevalence of moderate-to-high levels of chronic stress among nurses, as well as an occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders.
Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of chair massage to reduce chronic stress and musculoskeletal pain in the Oncology Nursing team.
Setting: Two teaching cancer hospitals, one public and the other private, in São Paulo city, Brazil.
Participants: A total of 60 women from the Oncology Nursing team.
Research Design: A randomized controlled trial divided into two groups: chair massage and control without intervention.
Intervention: The massage group received two chair massage sessions lasting 15 minutes, twice a week, for three weeks.
Main Outcome Measure: Reduction of stress and pain measured by the List of Signs and Symptoms (LSS) and the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), respectively.
Results: The average age was 32 (± 5.3) years. There was a reduction of stress measured by the LSS with a statistical difference in the group-time interaction (p < .001), with a Cohen’s d value of 1.21 between groups. The BPI analysis showed a statistically significant difference in the group-time interaction for general activity (p < .008), mood (p < .03), work (p < .000), and sleep (p = .03), with reduced pain interference in these components.
Conclusion: Chair massage reduced stress and pain interference in the team’s daily life activities, bringing a positive impact in the context of work stress and pain in Oncology nursing professionals
Non-invasive Complementary Therapies in Managing Musculoskeletal Pains and in Preventing Surgery
No full textBackground: Musculoskeletal disorders are disabling diseases which affect work performance, thereby affecting the quality of life of individuals. Pharmacological and surgical management are the most recommended treatments. However, noninvasive physical therapies are said to be effective, for which the evidence is limited.
Aim/Purpose: To study the effect of non-invasive physical interventions in preventing surgery among patients recommended for surgery for musculoskeletal complaints, who attended sports and fitness medicine centres in India.
Settings: SPARRC (Sports Performance Assessment Research Rehabilitation Counselling) Institute) is a physical therapy centre with 13 branches spread all over India. This Institute practices a combination of manual therapies to treat musculoskeletal complaints.
Research Design: Descriptive cohort study involving the review of case records of the patients enrolled from June 2013 to July 2017, followed by the telephone survey of the patients who have completed treatment.
Intervention: Combination of physical therapies such as myofascial trigger release with icing, infra-red therapy, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, stretch release, aqua therapy, taping, and acupuncture were employed to reduce the pain and regain functionalities.
Main Outcome Measures: Self-reported pains were measured using visual analogue scale at different levels of therapy—pre and post-therapy and post-rehabilitation.
Results: In total, 909 patients were studied, of whom 152 (17%) patients completed the treatment protocol. Majority of patients presented with knee and low-back pain. The reduction in pain due to the treatment protocol in terms of mean VAS score from baseline to post-therapy and baseline to post-rehabilitation was statistically significant (p value = .00). Among those contacted post-rehabilitation, 82 patients remained without surgery, and the median surgery-free time was around two years.
Conclusion: Thus the study concluded that non-invasive physical therapies may prevent or postpone surgeries for musculoskeletal complaints
Practice-Based Research Networks and Massage Therapy: a Scoping Review
No full textBackground: Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) are means to connect practitioners with researchers and increase the body of rigorous research. PBRNs have been used in medicine for decades, but efforts to create PBRNs in massage therapy (MT) are limited.
Purpose: Examine and describe the amount of and nature of MT-related publications derived from PBRN-supported endeavors.
Publication Selection: Databases: Scopus, CINAHL, PubMed, ClinicalKey, EMBASE, Google Scholar. Keywords: massage, massage therapy, practice-based research network, PBRN. Key items: publication year, operating PBRN, article type, study design, general theme, massage therapist involvement/MT application. Inclusion Criteria: studies conducted through a PBRN using MT/massage therapists as an investigated factor; articles/editorials focused on PBRN-related MT research.
Results: Initial database search resulted in 444 records; 40 articles included in analysis from database search, PBRN website access, and PBRN staff contacts. Publication dates ranged from 2005 to 2019, with nearly all published since 2013. Nine PBRNs published 29 articles based on 20 studies and sub-studies as research papers (n=21) or poster/oral presentation abstracts (n=8), and articles discussing the need for PBRNs in MT (n=8). Most research studies were conducted as surveys (n=21), examining practice characteristics (n=9) and patient perspectives/utilization (n=7). Three articles discussing PBRNs in MT were not connected to any specific PBRN.
Conclusion: The PBRN model holds promise to further the field of MT, but implementation needs significant development. Promoting the creation and growth of massage-specific PBRNs should be a focus of professional associations and research institutions to expand the body of scientific evidence supporting MT. While the United States has had the most PBRN-related research efforts, a sustainable implementation model is not evident as highlighted by inactivity from US-based PBRNs after initial productivity. An Australian PBRN may serve as a needed sustainability model for massage-related PBRNs in the US if their productivity trajectory continues
Effects of Massage Therapy on Multiple Sclerosis: a Case Report
No full textBackground: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is characterized by degeneration of the myelin sheath of an axon resulting in decreased transmission of nerve impulses. It is an autoimmune disease with periods of exacerbation and remission. Types of MS include relapsing-remitting, acute progressive, chronic progressive attack-remitting, and benign. Symptoms vary from patient to patient. Common symptoms include fatigue, spasticity, swelling, and altered gait. MS is commonly treated with medications that help relieve symptoms and prolong disease progression. Massage Therapy (MT), specifically Swedish techniques, have been effective in treating MS.
Objective: To examine the effects of MT on mobility, fatigue, and edema in a patient with MS.
Methods: An MT student from MacEwan University’s 2,200-hour Massage Therapy program administered five MT treatments over a six-week period to a 58-year-old female diagnosed with MS 11 years earlier. She presented with symptoms of decreased mobility, fatigue, and left ankle edema. Assessment included active and passive range of motion (ROM), myotomes, dermatomes, reflexes, and orthopedic tests. Goals for the treatment sessions were to increase mobility, decrease fatigue, and decrease edema. Assessment measures included the Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) test for mobility, the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) to measure fatigue, and Figure-8 ankle measurement to measure edema. Techniques used included Swedish massage, passive ROM, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), and home-care exercises.
Results: Little change was noted in mobility. The patient’s fatigue level and left ankle edema decreased.
Conclusion: The results suggest that MT is effective in reducing fatigue and edema in a patient with MS. Future studies are needed to evaluate the correlation between mobility and massage
A Research Agenda for the Massage Therapy Profession: a Report from the Massage Therapy Foundation
No full textThe Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) serves as a primary steward of massage therapy research; working to fund and advance the science and art of massage therapy for the entire massage community. The development of an updated research agenda is an essential part of furthering the MTF’s responsibility to help grow the massage therapy knowledge base and increase support for the application of quality research. Integrative health and massage community stakeholders are called upon to help move this MTF 2020 Massage Therapy Research Agenda forward. Together we must strive to continue to advance and disseminate new knowledge to all stakeholders including practitioners, students, instructors, researchers, and policy makers
Comparison of Glutues Maximus Activation to Flexion Bias Exercises Along with MET Technique in Subjects with Anterior Rotated Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction—a Randomised Controlled Trial
No full textBackground: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (SIJD) is the primary source of lowback pain. Main muscles forming the force closure of sacroiliac joint are the biceps femoris and gluteus maximus which increase the stability through massive attachments via sacrotuberous ligament. However, there is a dearth of literature of the importance of activation of gluteus maximus in SIJD. Purpose: To study the effect of gluteus maximus activation on Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS), and pelvic tilt angle in subjects with anterior rotated sacrolilac joint dysfunction. Settings: The study was conducted in outpatient Physiotherapy Department, Manipal Hospital, Bangalore, India. Participants: Anterior rotated SIJD subjects were recruited in the study. They were divided into two groups (experimental and control groups) by block randomisation. Research Design: This is a randomised control trial. Controlled Treatment: Treatment order was determined by block randomisation. The subjects of both experimental and control group received Muscle Energy Technique (MET) technique on 1st session to correct the anterior rotated SIJD. The experimental group received gluteus maximus activation protocol, whereas the control group received flexion bias exercises. The groups received the treatment of 20 mins per session. There were two supervised sessions per week for four weeks. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measure in the study is Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The secondary outcome measures included visual analog scale (VAS) and Palpation Meter (PALM). Results: 48 subjects (26 females, 22 males) were randomised into experimental and control groups having anterior rotation SIJD, and average age in groups was 38.83 ± 11.4 years and 34.96 ± 9.5 years, respectively. The within-group analysis showed significant improvements in only ODI outcome of both the groups (p = .001). The between-group analysis in both groups did not show any statistical significant difference in ODI, VAS, or PALM. Conclusion: The flexion bias exercise and the gluteus maximus activation exercises used in this study were equally effective in improving physical function and reduction in pain, and maintaining the normal pelvic angle in subjects with anterior rotated SIJD
