Evaluation of the effectiveness of therapeutic massage in patients with neck pain.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic massage on improving range of motion and reducing pain in patients with neck pain, comparing it to standard rehabilitation methods.
Results Summary
Both groups showed significant pain reduction and improved function, but the massage group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in specific ranges of motion (flexion and lateral bends). The effectiveness of massage was comparable to standard rehabilitation alone.
Population
60 patients aged 37-82 years (mean age: 62.8) with neck pain, treated at a rehabilitation department.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
therapeutic massage | increase | ranges of motion | patients with neck pain | - | increases | #1 |
kinesiotherapy and physiotherapy | decrease | pain | patients with neck pain | - | revealed a significant pain reduction | #2 |
kinesiotherapy and physiotherapy | increase | performance and function | patients with neck pain | - | improved | #3 |
therapeutic massage | decrease | pain | patients with neck pain | - | revealed a significant pain reduction | #4 |
therapeutic massage | increase | performance and function | patients with neck pain | - | improved | #5 |
therapeutic massage | increase | range of flexion | patients with neck pain | - | demonstrated a statistically significant improvement | #6 |
therapeutic massage | increase | lateral bend to the right | patients with neck pain | - | demonstrated a statistically significant improvement | #7 |
therapeutic massage | increase | lateral bend to the left | patients with neck pain | - | demonstrated a statistically significant improvement | #8 |
BACKGROUND: Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal ailments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of therapeutic massage on the range of motion in patients with neck pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 60 patients aged 37-82 years (mean age: 62.8 ± 9.86 years) treated for neck pain at the Rehabilitation Department of Zamość University of Management and Administration. The patients were divided into two groups: one (30 persons) received kinesiotherapy and physiotherapy, and the other group (30 persons) additionally received therapeutic massage. The effectiveness of rehabilitation was assessed with a Saunders digital inclinometer, the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). RESULTS: Both groups did not differ significantly in terms of NDI and VAS scores at baseline (NDI: p = 0.56, VAS: P = 0.231) and after rehabilitation (NDI: p = 0.203; VAS: P = 0.401). The NDI questionnaire and VAS revealed a significant pain reduction (p <0.001), and improved performance and function (p <0.001) after rehabilitation in both groups. Patients who had received massage demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the range of flexion (p = 0.022), lateral bend to the right (p = 0.018), and lateral bend to the left (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: 1. Therapeutic massage increases ranges of motion. 2. The effectiveness of therapeutic massage is comparable to the effectiveness of rehabilitation based only on physical therapy and kinesiotherapy.