Effects of Traditional Thai Massage on Pain and Pain Related Parameters in Patients With Upper Back Pain

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of Thai massage on pain related parameters including Pain intensity, 24 hours pain intensity, Pressure pain threshold, anxiety, muscle tension, cervical range of motion, pain frequency, patient satisfaction and side effect in patients with chronic upper back pain associated with myofascial trigger points

Official Title
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Effects of Traditional Thai Massage on Pain and Pain Related Parameters in Patients With Upper Back Pain

Conditions
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Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Thai massage


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Male or female Age between 18 - 50 years old The participants have experienced spontaneous upper pain for longer than 12 weeks (chronic) and that at least one trigger point will be present in the s trapezius muscles. Trigger points will be diagnosed as the presence of focal tenderness in a taut band and with pain recognition. The participants will be able to follow instructions. Good communication and cooperation. Exclusion Criteria: A history of the following diseases or disorders: Cervical radiculopathy Contraindications of traditional Thai massage Contagious skin disease Injury or inflammation of muscle Bone fracture and/or joint dislocation Open wound Uncontrolled hypertension Drug and/or alcohol intoxication

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 40 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Thai massage<br>The participants will receive a thirty minutes session of Thai massage onto the trapezius muscle | Other: Thai massage<br> <br> |
| Sham Comparator: Sham Microwave diathermy<br>The participants will receive a thirty minutes session of Sham microwave diathermy onto the trapezius muscle | Other: Thai massage<br> <br> |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pain score on Visual analog scale | The intensity of pain will be reported by the participant on a visual analog scale ranging from 0 to 10. Zero indicates no pain anywhere and 10 indicates the most pain ever experienced. | 5 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pressure Pain Threshold as a measure by algometry |  | 5 weeks | 
| Muscle tension on Visual analog scale |  | 5 weeks | 
| Anxiety on State Anxiety Inventory |  | 5 weeks | 
| Cervical range of motion as a measure by Cervical Range of Motion Goniometer |  | 5 weeks | 
| Pain intensity on McGill Pain Questionnaire |  | 5 weeks | 
| Pain frequency occurred per week |  | 5 weeks | 
| 24 hours pain intensity on Visual analog scale |  | 5 weeks | 
| Patient satisfaction level |  | 3 weeks | 
| Number of Participants with Adverse Events |  | 3 weeks |