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).


METHODS
A single-blind, randomized clinical trial.


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


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


RESULTS
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.


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


BACKGROUND
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02067325.
Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; The Research Center in Back, Neck, Other Joint Pain and Human Performance (BNOJPH) Khon Kaen University, 40002, Thailand. Electronic address: vitsarutbut@hotmail.com.
Vitsarut
V
Buttagat
Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand.
Thitipong
T
Narktro
Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand.
Kamonporn
K
Onsrira
Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand.
Chaithawat
C
Pobsamai
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001416:Back Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage / Q000379:methods*; D009129:Muscle Tonus / Q000502:physiology*; D026201:Musculoskeletal Manipulations / Q000379:methods; D009209:Myofascial Pain Syndromes / Q000628:therapy; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D017288:Pain Threshold / Q000502:physiology; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012063:Relaxation / Q000502:physiology; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013785:Thailand; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D061028:Trigger Points / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult