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

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.