Short-term effects of traditional Thai massage on electromyogram, muscle tension and pain among patients with upper back pain associated with myofascial trigger points

Complement Ther Med. 2016 Oct:28:8-12. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2016.07.004. Epub 2016 Jul 19.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate effects of traditional Thai massage (TTM) on electromyographic (EMG) activity, muscle tension and pain intensity in patients with upper back pain associated with myofascial trigger points (MTrPs).

Design: A single-blind, randomized clinical trial.

Setting: The Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand.

Intervention: Fifty patients were randomly assigned to receive a 30-min session of either TTM or control (sham microwave diathermy).

Outcomes: Electromyogram (EMG), Muscle tension rating, and pain intensity rating

Results: TTM were associated with significant decreases in EMG, muscle tension and pain intensity after the end of treatment session (p<0.05). For all outcomes, similar changes were not observed in the control group (p>0.05) except for muscle tension (p<0.05). In addition, there was a significantly greater reduction in all parameters for the TTM group when compared with the control group.

Conclusion: We therefore suggest that TTM can increase physical relaxation and reduce pain in patients with upper back pain associated with MTrPs.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02067325.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Back Pain / therapy*
  • Electromyography / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Massage / methods*
  • Muscle Tonus / physiology*
  • Musculoskeletal Manipulations / methods
  • Myofascial Pain Syndromes / therapy
  • Pain Measurement / methods
  • Pain Threshold / physiology
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Prospective Studies
  • Relaxation / physiology
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Thailand
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Trigger Points / physiology*
  • Young Adult

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02067325