Randomised control trial to compare the efficacy of traditional Thai massage and ultrasound therapy for treating plantar heel pain.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effectiveness of Traditional Thai Massage (TTM) and Ultrasound therapy (US) in treating chronic plantar heel pain (PHP) with a Myofascial Trigger Point (MTrP) in the calf.
Results Summary
Both TTM and US significantly reduced pain intensity and increased pressure pain threshold (PPT) in the heel immediately after treatment, but only US improved PPT in the calf and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (DROM). US showed greater pain reduction and DROM improvement compared to TTM.
Population
Sixty patients with chronic plantar heel pain and a Myofascial Trigger Point in the calf.
Effective Dosage
A single 40-minute treatment session.
Duration
Immediate and 24-hour follow-up.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Traditional Thai Massage (TTM) | decrease | pain intensity | PHP patients with a Myofascial Trigger Point (MTrP) present in the calf | - | showed a significant reduction | #1 |
Ultrasound therapy (US) | decrease | pain intensity | PHP patients with a Myofascial Trigger Point (MTrP) present in the calf | - | showed a significant reduction | #2 |
Traditional Thai Massage (TTM) | increase | Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) of the heel | PHP patients with a Myofascial Trigger Point (MTrP) present in the calf | - | showed a significant increase | #3 |
Ultrasound therapy (US) | increase | Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) of the heel | PHP patients with a Myofascial Trigger Point (MTrP) present in the calf | - | showed a significant increase | #4 |
Ultrasound therapy (US) | increase | Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) in the calf | PHP patients with a Myofascial Trigger Point (MTrP) present in the calf | - | showed an increase | #5 |
Ultrasound therapy (US) | increase | Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion (DROM) | PHP patients with a Myofascial Trigger Point (MTrP) present in the calf | - | showed a significant increase | #6 |
Ultrasound therapy (US) | decrease | reduction in CVAS | PHP patients with a Myofascial Trigger Point (MTrP) present in the calf | - | were significantly greater | #7 |
Ultrasound therapy (US) | increase | increase in DROM | PHP patients with a Myofascial Trigger Point (MTrP) present in the calf | - | were significantly greater | #8 |
Ultrasound therapy (US) with stretching | decrease | pain relief | patients with PHP | - | significant efficacy | #9 |
Traditional Thai Massage (TTM) | decrease | pain relief | patients with PHP | - | effective | #10 |
BACKGROUND: Massage is suggested to be an effective treatment for chronic plantar heel pain (PHP). There is, however, no scientific evidence to support this claim. In the present study Traditional Thai Massage (TTM) has been compared with Ultrasound therapy (US) for treating PHP. METHODS: Sixty PHP patients with a Myofascial Trigger Point (MTrP) present in the calf were randomly assigned to receive a 40-minute single treatment of either US or TTM. Pain Intensity (VAS), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion (DROM), and Foot Skin Temperature (FST), were measured before, immediately after, and 24 h after treatment. RESULTS: Compared to baseline, both groups showed a significant reduction in pain intensity immediately (CVAS) and 24 h after treatment (MVAS24) (p < 0.01), as well as a significant increase in PPT of the heel immediately after treatment (p < 0.05). However, only the US treatment group showed an increase in PPT in the calf immediately after treatment (p < 0.05). Furthermore, only the US group showed a significant increase in DROM immediately and 24 h after treatment (p < 0.001). The reduction in CVAS and increase in DROM immediately (p < 0.05) and 24 h after treatment (p < 0.01) were significantly greater in the US than the TTM group. CONCLUSIONS: The significant efficacy of US with stretching for providing pain relief in the treatment of PHP is confirmed. For the first time, TTM has also been demonstrated to be effective in providing pain relief for patients with PHP and may have a potentially useful complementary role, in treating PHP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: TCTR20210909001 (First Submitted Date: September 2021).