No full-text available
To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the authors.
The Effect of a Corporate Chair Massage Program on Musculoskeletal Discomfort and Joint Range of Motion in Office Workers
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of workplace manual technique interventions for female participants on the degree of joint range of motion and on the level of musculoskeletal ache, pain, or discomfort experienced when performing workplace responsibilities.
Nineteen (19) female volunteers were given chair massages on-site twice per week for 1 month.
Participants included individuals in administration and management from a company in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
A total of 19 female volunteers 40-54 years of age enrolled for this study. Fifteen (15) of them completed all measurements.
The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire was used, and range-of-motion measurements in degrees were taken.
Subjects completed a series of self-report questionnaires that asked for information concerning musculoskeletal discomfort for the neck, upper back, and lower back in the form of a body diagram. A range-of-motion test (to compare the change in joint angles) was performed with a goniometer to assess cervical lateral flexion, cervical flexion, cervical extension, lumbar flexion, and lumbar extension.
Between the first and the last measurements, a significant difference (p<0.05) was found in increased range of motion for cervical lateral flexion (28.8%). Wilcoxon signed rank test showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in range of motion for cervical lateral flexion (42.4±6.3 to 48.3±7.3), cervical extension (63.2±12.4 to 67.2±12.3), and a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire values for the neck (2.7±0.8 to 1.9±0.6) and the upper back (2.7±0.7 to 2.2±0.8) from the phase 2 to 3. Significant reductions were also shown in the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire values for the neck (2.8±0.8 to 1.9±0.6) and the upper back (2.7±0.8 to 2.2±0.8) from the phase 1 to 3.
On-site massage sessions twice per week for 1 month are the most effective interventions (compared to one session or no massage intervention) for decreasing the duration of musculoskeletal ache, pain, or discomfort and for increasing range of motion.
... w miej scu pra cy, tam gdzie oso by na ra żo ne są na prze cią że nia na rzą du ru chu, przede wszyst kim okolic krę go słu pa i koń czyn gór nych. Ba da nia na ten temat prze pro wa dzi li już in ni au to rzy, wska zu jąc również na zna cze nie te ra peu tycz ne w aspek cie zdro wia psy cho so ma tycz ne go [13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. ...
... This form of massage is often combined with health education and advice concerning workplace ergonomics and can be performed, for instance, in the workplace, where people are at risk of mus cu loskeletal overload mainly in the region around the spine and in the upper limbs. This issue has already been studied by other authors, who also indicated its therapeutic importance with respect to psychoso matic health [13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. ...
... Sku tecz no ścią ma sa żu na krze śle w aspek cie dys kom for tu mię śnio wo -szkie le to we go do świad cza ne go w pra cy zaj mo wa li się K. Šiško i wsp. [14]. Po trwa ją cym mie siąc eks pe ry men cie, w którym 19 ochot ni ków ma so wa no 2 ra zy w ty go dniu przez 15 mi nut, istot ne mu sta ty stycz nie wzro sto wi uległ za kres ru chu zgię cia bocz ne go i wy pro stu odcin ka szyj ne go krę go słu pa, ob ni że niu zaś, mie rzo ne rów nież za po mo cą kwe stio na riu sza CMDQ, war tości dla szyi -z 2,7 do 1,9 -i gór nej czę ści ple ców -z 2,7 do 2,2. ...
Background:
Accumulation of musculoskeletal overload experienced daily over a long period, for months or even years may lead to serious health problems. Simple, quick and easy-to-administer prophylactic and therapeutic interventions not involving complicated medical procedures can bring tangible benefits for sufferers. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and effects of a massage programme performed during breaks at work among persons exposed to long-term overload of the spinal column and areas around the spine.
Material and methods:
We studied 50 office workers (20 women and 30 men, mean age 34.04 years). The subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group (massage, 25 people) and a control group (25 people). The study was completed in four weeks, during which 8 massage sessions took place (twice a week for 15 minutes). Subjective assessment tools were used, namely the IPAQ-short version for evaluation of physical activity, Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) for assessment of musculoskeletal pain and a survey to assess the participants' satisfaction with the massage programme. An objective assessment tool was an algometric evaluation of the pain threshold (kg/cm2) in selected muscle trigger points. Statistical significance of differences was set at p <0.05.
Results:
The level of physical activity was comparable between the groups, with 42% of the experimental group and 40% in the control group declaring a high level of physical activity. According to the CMDQ, the biggest differences after massage were noted with regard to the reduction of pain in the lower and upper spine and the right arm (p <0.001), while slightly smaller improvements were noted in the right shoulder and left forearm (p <0.05). In other parts of the body and in the control group, the changes were not statistically significant. The pain threshold assessed by algometry increased at all points examined in the experimental group, with pain sensitivity decreasing the most in the trapezius and supraspinous muscles on the left side of the spine (p <0.001). In the control group, the changes were not significant.
Conclusions:
1. The proposed programme of chair massage in the workplace proved to be effective in relieving musculoskeletal overload and discomfort of the spine and upper limbs. 2. The advantages of this method include its accessibility, cost-effectiveness, ease of administration in different places and short treatment time. It seems advisable to popularise it and increase its use in practice in the prevention of physical and mental work-related overload.
... Regarding strategies for preserving and improving ACROM, multiple approaches can be considered, such as reducing screen time, minimizing sedentary behavior, receiving massages, engaging in targeted exercises, utilizing cupping techniques, and employing elastic taping [23][24][25][26][27]. Among these solutions, elastic taping (ET) possesses a distinctive characteristic: it can be worn directly on the skin for an extended period, continuously working 24 h a day and adapting to the subject's movements until its removal. ...
The aim of this study was to measure the effects on three-planar active cervical range of motion (ACROM) and self-perceived pain of elastic taping (ET) application in the cervical area. Thirty participants (n: 22-M and 8-F, age 35.4 ± 4.4 years; body height 173.1 ± 8.4 cm; body mass 73.5 ± 12.8 kg) in the study group (SG) and twenty participants (n: 11-M and 9-F, age 32.6 ± 3.9 years; body height 174.9 ± 10.9 cm; body mass 71.2 ± 12.9 kg) in the control group (CG) were recruited. All subjects had neck and cervical pain in baseline condition. Each group performed an ACROM test and measured the perceived pain in the neck based on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS 0-10, a.u.) at the baseline (T0), after 20 from the ET application (T1), and after three days of wearing the ET application (T2). Between T0 and T1, an ET was applied to the cervical area of the SG participants. Statistical analysis did not show any significant change in CG in any measurement session for ACROM and neck pain parameters. Conversely, the SG showed significant improvements for ACROM rotation to the left (T0 64.8 ± 7.7 •-T2 76.0 ± 11.1 • p < 0.000) and right (T0 66.0 ± 11.9 •-T2 74.2 ± 9.6 • p < 0.000), lateral inclination to the left (T0 37.5 ± 6.9 •-T2 40.6 ± 10.8 • p < 0.000) and right (T0 36.5 ± 7.9 •-T2 40.9 ± 5.2 • p < 0.000), extension (T0 47.0 ± 12.9 •-T2 55.1 ± 12.3 • p < 0.001), and flexion (T0 55.0 ± 3.6 •-T2 62.9 ± 12.0 • p < 0.006). A significant decrease was also measured in SG for pain NRS between T0 and T2 (T0 7.5 ± 1.0 •-T1 5.5 ± 1.4-T2 1.4 ± 1.5 • p < 0.000). In conclusion, a bilateral and symmetrical ET cervical application is useful to enhance multiplanar ACROM and reduce subjective self-perceived cervical pain when it is needed. Based on the evidence, the use of ET on the neck is recommended for managing neck motion restrictions and pain in adult individuals.
... Findings from a randomized controlled trial in the workplace using massage therapy showed that the experimental group who received weekly massage treatments for four weeks significantly reduced muscle strain and blood pressure compared to the control group, supporting the effectiveness of massage therapy for office workers [28]. Another clinical trial investigating the effect of a corporate chair massage program on musculoskeletal discomfort in office workers revealed that massage sessions per week for a month were effective in decreasing the duration of musculoskeletal aches, pain, or discomfort [29]; it is notable that range of motion for cervical lateral flexion among the participants, which is parallel to the result of the experimental group of this study. Furthermore, a systematic review of massage therapy for neck and shoulder pain, reviewing 12 high-quality studies, stated that the meta-analyses showed immediate effects of massage therapy for neck and shoulder pain with concerns for benefits only would last short-term [30]. ...
Background: With the increasing work-related musculoskeletal disorders, neck and shoulder pain
among office workers has also increased. That said, this randomized controlled trial aimed to seek
the potential effects of a massage chair (BFR-M8040) on neck and shoulder pain among office
workers.
Methods: This was conducted at the Wonkwang University Gwangju Medical Center from April
2022 to December 2022. Sixty adult participants were randomly allocated. The mean age of male
participants was 39.63 ± 8.09 years while female participants was 43.52 ± 8.27; women
participated the most (86.67%). The control group received basic physical treatments, including a
10-min heat treatment for deep regions and a 10-min hot pack for the areas on the neck and
shoulder of the complained discomfort. The experimental group received the same treatment as
the control group and added 20 min of the electric massage chair’s PEMF Neck Mode (XD module
3) (BFR-M8040, Bodyfriend Co., Ltd.). The participants received treatments twice per week. The
primary outcome was measured using the numerical rating scale and the Korean version of the
neck disability index. And the secondary outcome was measured using pressure pain threshold,
range of motion, the Korean occupational stress scale, the Korean version of the Euro-quality of
life-5 dimension, and safety evaluation.
Results: Fifty-eight participants completed a 6-week follow-up and analyzed (29 in the control
group and 29 in the experimental group). There was a significant decrease in the experiment
group in both scales for primary outcome measures. For secondary outcome measures, statistically significant increases were observed in pressure pain threshold. The experimental group only
showed a slight increase in the quality-of-life measures. There were no reported adverse events.
Conclusion: The benefit of using a massage chair (BFR-M8040) was verified to alleviate neck and
shoulder pain among office workers; future studies could involve participants from other countries for further investigation.
... Turning to strategies for preserving and improving ACROM, multiple approaches can be considered, such as reducing screen time, minimizing sedentary behavior, receiving massages, engaging in targeted exercises, utilizing cupping techniques, and employing elastic taping [23][24][25][26][27]. Among these solutions, elastic taping (ET) possesses a distinctive characteristic: it can be worn directly on the skin for an extended period, continuously working 24 hours a day and adapting to the subject's movements until removal. ...
The aim of this study was to measure the effects on 3D active cervical Range of Motion (ACROM) and perceived pain of a n elastic taping (ET) application in the cervical area. Thirty participants (n: 22M and 8F, age 35.4±4.4 years; body height 173.1±8.4 cm; body mass 73.5±12.8 kg) for the study group (SG) and twenty subjects (n: 11M and 9F, age 32.6±3.9 years; body height 174.9±10.9 cm; body mass 71.2±12.9 kg) for the control group (CG) were recruited. All subjects were symptomatic for neck and cervical pain in baseline condition. Each group performed on ACROM test and the perceived pain on neck basing as Numerical Rating Scale (NRS 0-10, a.u.): at the baseline (T0); after 20' from ET application (T1); after three days of wearing the ET application (T2). Between T0 and T1 an ET was applied on the cervical area of the SG participants. Statistical analysis did not show any significant change in CG in any measurement session for ACROM and neck pain parameters. Conversely, the SG showed significant improvements for ACROM rotation left (T0 64.8 ± 7.7° - T2 76.0 ± 11.1° p < 0.000) and right (T0 66.0 ± 11.9° - T2 74.2 ± 9.6° p < 0.000); lateral inclination left (T0 37.5 ± 6.9° - T2 40.6 ± 10.8° p < 0.000) and right (T0 36.5 ± 7.9° - T2 40.9 ± 5.2° p < 0.000); flexion posterior (T0 47.0 ± 12.9° - T2 55.1 ± 12.3° p < 0.001) and anterior (T0 55.0 ± 3.6° - T2 62.9 ± 12.0° p < 0.006). A significant decrease was measure also in SG for pain NRS between T0 and T2 (T0 7.5 ± 1.0° - T1 5.5 ± 1.4 - T2 1.4 ± 1.5° p < 0.000). In conclusion, the results of this study underline the usefulness of a bilateral and symmetrical ET cervical application in terms to enhance multiplanar ACROM and to reduce subjective self-perceived cervical pain when it is needed. These findings can be applied for managing musculoskeletal health of different kind of individuals.
... According to a study by Kim, et al. [15], mechanical MC therapy was more cost-effective than manual massage. On the other hand, a previous study has shown that MCs had a less positive effect, compared to classical massage procedures [16]. ...
Quick and cost-effective recovery is foundational to high-quality training and good competition results in today’s sports. The aim of the research was to elucidate the effects of hand and massage chair massage on the biomechanical parameters of muscles of lower limbs and back, indicators of Pain Pressure Thresholds (PPT) and subjectively perceived fatigue. A total of 32 female recreational athletes (18 – 50 years old) were assigned to a hand massage, massage chair, or lying down the group. They were measured for muscle biomechanical properties (MyotonPro), PPT (Wagner Instruments) and subjectively perceived fatigue (VAS scale) before and after fatigue tests and treatment. The recovery procedure and subjective satisfaction with treatment were rated on a Likert scale. Changes in the median value of m. rectus femoris and m. gastrocnemius stiffness with treatment showed that hand massage could be more effective in reducing stiffness, as compared to chair massage. Hand massage may have benefits for recovery from physical exertion, but due to the individuality of subjects, detailed methodological studies are needed to evaluate the effects of massage chair vs. hand massage.
... 7 Neste piloto evidenciamos as principais queixas nos seguimentos corporais de pescoço, coluna e membros superiores, achados semelhantes aos do estudo de Shantz 8 com usuários de computador, que apontou como regiões mais acometidas com quadros álgicos a cervical, lombar e os ombros. Os efeitos da massagem na amplitude de movimento articular e no nível de dor musculoesquelética também foram verificados por Siško et al. 9 em mulheres do setor administrativo de uma empresa da Eslovênia, com diferenças significativas no grau de amplitude de movimento para flexão lateral cervical e diminuição da dor no pescoço e parte superior das costas. ...
Introdução: A ocorrência de dores osteomusculares pode estar relacionada à atividade executada pelo trabalhador, constituindo um grave problema humano e econômico em todo o país na medida em que a diminuição da eficácia do trabalho está atrelada aos distúrbios osteomusculares relacionados ao trabalho. Objetivo: Este estudo objetivou avaliar os benefícios da quick massage nas queixas de dores osteomusculares de funcionários administrativos de uma instituição escolar. Método: Trata-se de estudo piloto com 12 participantes, divididos em dois grupos que receberam uma (G1) ou duas (G2) sessões semanais de quick massage por oito semanas, avaliados em três momentos. Resultados: Os participantes de ambos os grupos relataram dor durante a jornada de trabalho, com destaque para as regiões corporais de pescoço, lombar e dorsal. Houve redução dos sintomas quando comparadas as avaliações realizadas na primeira e na oitava semana de intervenção, sem diferenças significativas na frequência de aplicação da quick massage. Conclusões: Independentemente da frequência oferecida, a quick massage é um recurso benéfico para a redução de dor em trabalhadores administrativos.
... Another stu-dy 9 demonstrated that massage was more effective in increasing pain threshold when compared to relaxing music sessions or to the control intervention. The results of studies [6][7][8][9] were obtained using massage during treatment programs with an average of eight massage sessions, but no references were found on the immediate effect after a single session, especially in pain of musculoskeletal origin 10 . Massage is an effective complementary therapy for stress relief, and since university professors are frequently submitted to stressful conditions that can cause muscle tension or physical pain. ...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Massage is described as an effective complementary therapy for relieving muscle tension and pain. The aim of this study was to verify the benefits of quick massage on muscle tension and pressure pain tolerance threshold (PPT).
METHODS
A randomized clinical study in which 40 professors participated and were randomly divided into control (CG) and experimental (EG) groups. They were assessed for the level of muscle tension in the shoulder and neck regions using the visual analogue scale (VAS). PPT was assessed through algometry at the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles and at the following anatomical areas: base of the occipital, scapular spine, thoracic (T6-T7) and lumbar (L4-L5) regions. The EG received a single session of quick massage for 20 minutes on the shoulders, neck and spine.
RESULTS
Regarding pain, a significant difference was observed only at the base of the occipital, the EG presented greater tolerance to pressure pain both before and after the intervention when compared to the CG. Regarding muscle tension, after the intervention, there was a reduction in the perception in the EG compared to the CG group.
CONCLUSION
Quick massage was efficient to decrease the perception of muscle tension assessed by VAS, however, PPT did not increase after the intervention.
Keywords:
Massage; Muscle tonus; Pain; Pain threshold
... These results differ partially from those suggested by Ariëns et al. [11], who pointed out that sitting at work for more than 95% of working time seems to be a risk factor for neck pain, and there is a trend for a positive relation between the degrees of neck flexion and neck pain [11]. Workers of both job groups presented reduced CE ROM when compared with other research in worker populations [35,36]. ...
Forklifts are commonly used in industrial supply chains to transport heavy loads. Forklift drivers have the risk of developing musculoskeletal discomfort derived from the movement pattern required at work. This research aimed to investigate the spinal range of motion (ROM) and musculoskeletal discomfort of forklift drivers and compare it with a control group. Forklift drivers (39 males) and office workers (31 males) were recruited to assess cervical, thoracic, and lumbar ROM with an electronic double inclinometer. Additionally, musculoskeletal discomfort was registered with the Cornell Discomfort Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Forklift drivers showed a higher cervical discomfort and ROM of lateral lumbar bending than office workers. Both groups reported lower ROM in cervical and lumbar lateral bending on the right side versus the left side. No differences of asymmetry were reported for any variable between groups. Specific exercise programs may correct these mobility imbalances.
... The respondents from groups I and II positively assessed the applied treatments, evaluating the suitability of the program at around nine on a 10-point scale of assessment. Similar results were obtained by other researchers using this form of prophylaxis of musculoskeletal problems among other professional groups [21,38,39]. Special attention was paid to such benefits as reduction of stress, improvement of sleep comfort, reduction of pain, headaches, as well as reduction of tension and stress, the participants reported relaxation and inflow of energy, and increased mobility of the cervical spine [22,40]. ...
Due to the occurrence among musicians of musculoskeletal problems associated with playing a musical instrument, it is necessary to use prophylaxis. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of two physioprophylaxis methods: chair massage and an original set of exercises. The study lasted four weeks and consisted of eight 15-min meetings (chair massage/exercises). The study was conducted on 44 music students assigned to three groups (chair massage/exercise program/control group). The algometric measurements and questionnaire were conducted. Health problems associated with playing an instrument was reported by 86.4% of the participants. The largest changes in pain threshold concerned the trigger points of the muscles with the highest pain sensitivity, i.e., upper part of trapezius ones, and reached 25-34% in relation to the initial values. For the trigger points of the levator scapulae and lower part of trapezius, the increase in the pain threshold was between 20 and 28%. Raising the pain threshold was observed both after each session and meeting by meeting, and these differences were most visible in the massage group. This effect was particularly visible from the fourth treatment. Chair massage and exercise should be used regularly, and significant results can be obtained after two weeks.
... The PT activities proposed during compulsory secondary education promote the acquisition of knowledge in real contexts, which facilitates the integration of the same and increases student motivation [25]. The use of practical workshops in real contexts promotes the application of teaching and learning methodologies which are more active and which facilitate student learning [26]. ...
Background:
The prevalence of back pain in adolescents is steadily increasing, with negative repercussions on students' social and academic life. This study sought to improve the ergonomics and musculoskeletal health of adolescents in secondary school by implementing physiotherapy actions within the educational context.
Methods:
A qualitative collaborative action research approach was used, comprising 49 students, 9 teachers, 11 family members, and 9 physiotherapists. Workshops on ergonomics, stretching, and massage were held. Visual materials were developed to support the assimilation of the information given at the workshops. Data collection included field notes, reflexive diaries, in-depth interviews, and discussion groups. The data were analyzed using the Atlas.ti 6.0 program (Scientific Software Development GmbH, Berlin, Germany).
Results:
The presence of a physiotherapist in the school context facilitates the acquisition of healthy postural habits. All the adolescents perceived a decrease in back pain after undergoing the program.
Conclusions:
physiotherapy activities offer students new tools to decrease their back pain and improve their health.
... Additionally, we sought to validate the results of a previous study that demonstrated that massage chair treatment to be less effective than actual massage therapy. [19] In our study, the massage chair was cost-effective and adequately controlled pain. Massage therapy displays at least moderate continuous pain reduction compared to continuous stimuli in subacute, chronic pain patients and moderate enhancement in function. ...
Introduction:
Low back pain is a chronic recurrent symptom, which can lower the patient's quality of life. With technological development of automated home massage systems, now offers a promising alternative to physiotherapy. However, thus far, the effectiveness of such methods has not been evaluated. We aimed to compare the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a massage chair with those of conventional physiotherapy for the treatment.
Methods:
This was a randomized controlled trial with a two-group parallel design. Following randomization and allocation, 56 participants were enrolled to receive either physiotherapy (n = 25) or mechanical massage using the massage chair (n = 31). Pain severity was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) and satisfaction assessed with the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ). Quality of life modification was analyzed using the Functional Rating Index (FRI). Cost-effectiveness was analyzed by comparing the sum of physiotherapy fees and monthly rental fees for chair massage.
Results:
Physiotherapy and massage chair were both effective for pain control as assessed with the VAS (P < .001), satisfaction as assessed by MPQ (P < .001) and life quality improvement as assessed by FRI (P < .001) in both groups. Both VAS and FRI scores were significantly higher for physiotherapy than for massage chair (P = .03 and P = .03, respectively). There was no significant difference in MPQ between the two groups. Massage chair therapy was more cost-effective than physiotherapy, at only 60.17% of the physiotherapy cost (P < .001).
Conclusions:
The home massage chair system was cost-effective, but pain control and disability improved more with physiotherapy. However, our results showed that the massage chair is a promising treatment for pain control and quality of life modification, but efficacy is still superior in physiotherapy and the chair is not a replacement for physiotherapy.
Trial registration:
Clinical Research Information Service, KCT0003157. Retrospectively registered August 2, 2018.
... 4 The significant benefit found for massage in all areas (decreased pain and stress and increased range of movement and sleep) is promising and endorses research on the benefits of massage for pain reduction, reduced stress, increased range of motion and improved sleep in non-pregnant populations. [30][31][32][33][34] Further research using a comparator intervention is needed to determine the efficacy of massage during pregnancy and the postnatal period. ...
Introduction
Women commonly use massage therapy during pregnancy for pregnancy-related health conditions such as lower back and neck pain; however, there is little to no research related evidence on the side effects or mother or child physical harm of massage during pregnancy and the postnatal period.
Objectives
This study aims to report on the side effects and mother or child physical harm of massage during pregnancy and the postnatal period.
Design
An observational study methodology.
Setting and time frame
Two massage clinics, one in Sydney and one in Melbourne recruited participants from December 2016 to December 2017.
Intervention
Massage.
Main outcome measure
Side effects and mother or child physical harm from massage.
Results
One hundred and one participants were recruited to the study. Two fifths of the participants (n = 32, 40%) experienced one of more post-massage side effects. There were no mother or child physical harm events. Low back pain was the most common condition women sought massage treatment for 34 (33.7.%). A significant benefit (p < 0.001) was seen pre-massage to post-massage and pre-massage to 1-week post massage in decreasing stress, decreasing pain, increasing range of motion and improving sleep
Discussion
Similar to previous research, low back pain was the most common condition that women sought massage treatment for followed by hip pain, shoulder pain, neck pain and to improve mental health. Ninety-seven percent of the cohort received a full body massage including the feet leading credence that ‘massage on the feet during pregnancy is harmful’ is mythic in nature.
Conclusion
While our findings lead credence that massage on the feet during pregnancy is a myth the study was not powered to determine the safety of pregnancy massage and further research is needed. Massage was commonly sought for low back pain with promising benefits in decreased pain and improved range of movement and further research on the effectiveness of massage for low back pain in pregnancy.
... It is a fact that drivers belong to the group of occupations with the greatest risk of pain (11), because low back pain is more common among those workers who practice their profession in sitting positions, unlike those who practice work and have changeable rotating body positions (12,13). Professional drivers are at greater risk for developing low back pain because they are exposed to whole-body vibration, forced positions and handling of goods (14,15). Alperovitch -Najenson, Santo, Masharawi, Katz-Leurer, Ushvaev and Kalichman (16) found that 45.4% of bus drivers experience low back pain within 12 months. ...
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the most common psychosocial risk factors for absenteeism and the extent to which low back pain occurs among Slovenian professional drivers as a result of the impact of various psychosocial risk factors.
Methods: The study involved 275 respondents, professional drivers, mostly men, a mean age of 41.6 years. Statistical data analysis was conducted using SPSS package version 21, MS Excel version 2007 and Pajek, version 3. The main method for data processing is regression analysis.
Results: The results of the quantitative survey showed that lower back pain is mostly caused by lifting and carrying heavy loads, inadequate working conditions, poor physical fitness, regular nights out, shift work and stress. Dissatisfaction with work, shift work and unsuitable working conditions significantly affect the incidence of low back pain. Absenteeism is influenced by factors such as: dissatisfaction at work, disrespectful attitude of managers, unsuitable working conditions, personal dissatisfaction, lack of understanding of the partner and enjoying nightlife on a regular basis.
Conclusions: The study clarifies the unexplained holistic psychosocial risk factors and treatment effects on the health of the population of the professional drivers. Such factors can lead to absenteeism. The study also provides an initial demonstration research in the Slovenian practice. Furthermore, it provides solutions in a holistic approach to solve the problem managing risk factors.
... Several of the patient's conditions were caused by the automobile accident and several massage helps increase range of motion (ROM), decrease hypertonicity of soft tissue, diminish pain or discomfort levels, and renew muscular flexibility. (12) Chair massage has demonstrated, in one study, to improve pain severity in patients with pre-existing musculoskeletal discomfort. (13) With ingenuity, most bodily complaints can be addressed with chair massage, making the massage chair ideal for treatment in remote rural areas. ...
Background and Objectives
There is limited access to health care in rural Ghana and virtually no rehabilitative services available. This situation presents a unique opportunity to utilize chair massage in addressing women’s health in rural Ghana, particularly when it comes to muscle pain and fatigue from heavy labor. The objective of this case report is to determine the results of chair massage as a strategy to reduce neck, shoulder, and back pain, while increasing range of motion.
Case Presentation
The patient is a 63-year-old Ghanaian female, who was struck by a public transport van while carrying a 30–50 pound load on her head, two years prior. The accident resulted in a broken right humerus and soft tissue pain. A traditional medicine practitioner set the bone, however there was no post-accident rehabilitation available. At the time of referral, she presented complaints of shoulder, elbow, and wrist pain. In addition, she was unable to raise her right hand to her mouth for food intake.
Results
The results of this case report include an increase in range of motion, as well as elimination of pain in the right shoulder, elbow, and hand. Visual assessments showed an approximate increase of ROM within the ranges of 45–65 degrees in the right arm, as well as 10–15 degrees in 4th and 5th fingers. There was also a decrease in muscle hypertonicity in the thoracic and cervical areas, and a profound increase in quality of life for the patient.
Discussion
This case report illustrates how therapeutic chair massage was utilized to address a common health concern for one woman in rural Ghana. It also demonstrates that pre-existing musculoskeletal disorders and pain may be eliminated with massage intervention. Massage therapy may be important to ameliorating certain types of health problems in remote rural villages in low income countries.
Lower back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of work disability and dayoff requests. Studies have shown that sedentary jobs will champion sedentary behaviours that can increase the risk of LBP development. Several studies confirm the association of posture and different sitting habits with tiredness and fatigue. While studies have been done to understand mental and physical fatigue and LBP separately, limited specific research considers the association between fatigue and LBP in office workers. This systematic review highlights the studies that have found an association between fatigue and LBP in office workers. This study follows the guidelines for systematic reviews as stated in the PRISMA methodology. Four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct) were chosen for the search. The total number of articles included for screening in this study was 1427. Twenty-three articles were identified as relevant to the objective of this study. Different methods to measure fatigue among office workers were identified and reported. A comparison was made between such methods in terms of frequency. The study concluded that office workers could benefit from fatigue-reducing techniques to prevent LBP development.
O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar os benefícios da massagem laboral no estresse ocupacional e comportamento motor (flexibilidade corpórea e força de preensão manual) de técnicos administrativos. No tratamento dos dados recorreu-se à estatística descritiva, com media, desvio padrão e frequências. No pré e pós teste foram utilizados os testes Wilcoxon e t de Studant para amostras pareadas, o teste t de Student para amostras independentes e o Mann-Whitney, com nível de significância de 5%. Constataram-se uma diferença significativa entre gêneros no pré-teste na força do MSD e MSE. Nos efeitos agudos verificou-se que o grupo experimental apresentou uma melhora significativa nos níveis de força do MSD, MSE, flexibilidade lateral da cabeça à direita, apley direito e apley esquerdo. Na análise dos efeitos crônicos, não foram visualizados diferenças significativas no grupo experimental, embora o grupo controle apresentasse uma redução significativa da força do MSD, MSE e cadeia posterior.
Objective:
The purpose of this report is to describe the role of on-site chiropractic care in one corporate environment.
Methods:
A part-time chiropractic practice that provides services to a single company on site, 1 day per week, is described. Most care is oriented toward "wellness," is paid for by the employer, and is limited only by the chiropractor's few weekly hours of on-site availability. With approval from the company, the authors conducted an absenteeism analysis after obtaining ethics approval and consent from employee-patients who received care between 2012 and 2014. Comparisons of absenteeism rates of the sample were compared with lost worktime rates from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics' Labor Force Statistics.
Results:
Of 40 current employees, 35 used chiropractic services; 17 employee-patients met the inclusion criteria. The lost worktime rates of those using chiropractic services (0.72%, 0.55%, and 0.67%, for 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively) were lower than corresponding rates from Labor Force Statistics (1.5%, 1.2%, and 1.1%).
Conclusions:
Absenteeism for the employee-patients was lower than equivalent national figures in this sample of workers. Though these results may or may not be related to the chiropractic care, these findings prompt further investigation into this relationship.
People working at computers often suffer from overload-related muscle pain, and physical and mental discomfort. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of chair massage, conducted in the workplace among white-collar workers, in relieving symptoms of musculoskeletal strain related to prolonged sitting posture. The study was conducted in 124 white-collar workers, 55 women and 69 men, aged 33.7 ± 7.6 years. Subjects were randomly assigned to three groups: chair massage program, relaxing music sessions, and a control group, each of four-week duration. Each group was evaluated before and after the program completion. Pain perception was assessed algometrically as a threshold for compression pain of neck muscles, measured in kg/cm². The relaxation level was assessed from the heart rate variability. We found that the chair massage increased both the pain threshold in all tested muscles (p < 0.001) and the relaxation level from 31.9% to 41.6% (p < 0.05). In the group with music sessions, muscle pain threshold remained unchanged, except for the trapezoid muscle where it decreased (p < 0.05), while the relaxation level increased from 26.0% to 33.3% (p < 0.05). In both massage and relaxing music groups, there was a significant decrease in muscle tension (p < 0.01). Changes in the control group were inappreciable. We conclude that the chair massage performed in the workplace is an effective method for prevention of musculoskeletal overstrain related to prolonged sitting posture. The program seems worth implementing in various occupational environments.
In East Asian countries, oriental medicine (OM) has been used for thousands of years to manage a wide variety of chronic wounds, but in western countries the role of OM in wound care remains to be established. To summarize current practices and available evidence of OM in the management of chronic wounds, a search of Chinese and English databases was conducted and summarized with an emphasis on randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, and meta-analyses of topical and systemic OM treatments. Hundreds of reports were identified, mostly in the Chinese literature, but few randomized controlled clinical studies have been conducted. Available preclinical and clinical evidence suggests there may be a role for OM modalities, especially herbal medicine, in the management of chronic wounds. Before conducting the needed rigorous clinical studies, wound care experts should agree on and help standardize herbal formulations - a unique challenge for the usually individualized OM approach to care. However, the literature suggests uncovering pathways for future research may help patients all over the world benefit from the thousands of years of documented experience managing chronic wounds with OM.
This study assessed feasibility and effect of weekly, 15-min chair massages during work for 38 nurses. Mean Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14), Smith Anxiety Scale (SAS), linear analog self-assessment scale (LASA), and symptom visual analog scale (SX-VAS) scores were tracked at baseline, 5 weeks, and 10 weeks. Of 400 available massage appointments, 329 were used. At 10 weeks, mean PSS-14 score decreased from 17.85 to 14.92 (P = .002); mean SAS score, from 49.45 to 40.95 (P < .001). Mean LASA score increased from 42.39 to 44.84 (P = .006); mean SX-VAS score, from 65.03 to 74.47 (P < .001). Massages for nurses during work hours reduced stress-related symptoms.
Stretch is commonly prescribed as part of physical rehabilitation in pain management programs, yet little is known about its effectiveness.
A randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effects of a 3-week stretch program on muscle extensibility and stretch tolerance in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
A within-subject design was used, with one leg of each participant randomly allocated to an experimental (stretch) condition and the other leg randomly allocated to a control (no-stretch) condition.
Thirty adults with pain of musculoskeletal origin persisting for at least 3 months were recruited from patients enrolled in a multidisciplinary pain management program at a hospital in Sydney, Australia.
The hamstring muscles of the experimental leg were stretched daily for 1 minute over 3 weeks; the control leg was not stretched. This intervention was embedded within a pain management program and supervised by physical therapists.
Primary outcomes were muscle extensibility and stretch tolerance, which were reflected by passive hip flexion angles measured with standardized and nonstandardized torques, respectively. Initial measurements were taken before the first stretch on day 1, and final measurements were taken 1 to 2 days after the last stretch. A blinded assessor was used for testing.
Stretch did not increase muscle extensibility (mean between-group difference in hip flexion was 1 degrees , 95% confidence interval=-2 degrees to 4 degrees ), but it did improve stretch tolerance (mean between-group difference in hip flexion was 8 degrees , 95% confidence interval=5 degrees to 10 degrees ).
Three weeks of stretch increases tolerance to the discomfort associated with stretch but does not change muscle extensibility in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Long-term care staff have high levels of musculoskeletal concerns. This research provided a pilot program to evaluate the efficacy of employer-funded on-site massage therapy on job satisfaction, workplace stress, pain, and discomfort. Twenty-minute massage therapy sessions were provided. Evaluation demonstrated possible improvements in job satisfaction, with initial benefits in pain severity, and the greatest benefit for individuals with preexisting symptoms. A long-term effect was not demonstrated.
This study evaluated the effectiveness of massage therapy as a component in increasing range of motion (ROM), decreasing pain and assisting in healing of a client with low back pain (LBP) and sciatica symptoms.
The client presented with an insidious onset of LBP and pain that radiated into the right lower extremity (sciatica). The client had been experiencing this pain daily for the past 9 months. Frequency, duration, and intensity of symptoms were recorded in a daily diary beginning the day after the client's first visit with the massage therapist. Manual therapy was administered once a week; each session lasted 45 min and consisted of a structured protocol directed mainly toward muscles of the lumbar spine, pelvis, thigh, and leg regions.
The results of this study suggest that massage therapy was effective at reducing LBP intensity and increasing ROM for this particular client. LBP intensity was assessed at level one the first three assessment periods. The reduction in post-massage LBP intensity was maintained from week six until week 10 with the exception of week six (no change) and week seven (pain increase due to intense trigger point treatment). The client's activities of daily living (ADLs) steadily increased throughout the 10-week study.
The distinct techniques and stretches used during the course of this study have the possibility of becoming useful, non-pharmacological interventions for reducing or eliminating pain and sciatica symptoms associated with low back pain.
A review of the literature on the pathophysiology of upper extremity muscle disorders (UEMDs) was performed. An overview is given of clinical findings and hypotheses on the pathogenesis of UEMDs. The literature indicates that disorders of muscle cells and limitations of the local circulation underlie UEMDs. However, these disorders identified do not necessarily lead to symptoms. The following mechanisms have been proposed in the literature: (1) selective recruitment and overloading of type I (Cinderella) motor units; (2) intra-cellular Ca(2+) accumulation; (3) impaired blood flow; (3b) reperfusion injury; (3.3c) blood vessel-nociceptor interaction; (4a) myofascial force transmission; (4b) intramuscular shear forces; (5) trigger points; (6) impaired heat shock response. The results of the review indicate that there are multiple possible mechanisms, but none of the hypotheses forms a complete explanation and is sufficiently supported by empirical data. Overall, the literature indicates that: (1) sustained muscle activity, especially of type I motor units, may be a primary cause of UEMDs; (2) in UEMDs skeletal muscle may show changes in morphology, blood flow, and muscle activity; (3) accumulation of Ca(2+) in the sarcoplasm may be the cause of muscle cell damage; (4) it seems plausible that suboptimal blood flow plays a role in pathogenesis of UEMDs; (5) since the presence of fiber disorders is not a sufficient condition for the development of UEMSDs additional mechanisms, such as sensitization, are assumed to play a role.
To study the effect of manual therapy and stretching on neck function in women with chronic neck pain.
A total of 125 women were randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 received manual therapy twice a week for 4 weeks followed by stretching exercises. Group 2 performed stretching 5 times a week for 4 weeks followed by manual therapy. Neck function was assessed by isometric neck strength and mobility measurements, and spontaneous neck pain during the past week and strain-evoked pain during the neck strength trials using a visual analogue scale.
Both neck muscle strength (11-14%) and mobility (7-15%) improved similarly in both groups, with the exception of greater passive flexion-extension mobility (p = 0.019) in group 1 at week 4. Pain during the neck strength trials decreased from the baseline to week 4 by 26-35% and to week 12 by 39-61% similarly in both groups. Average neck pain during the past week decreased by 64% and 53% in groups 1 and 2, respectively, during the first 4 weeks, remaining rather stable thereafter. The decreases in neck pain during both the past week and strength trials showed association with the changes in neck strength results (r = 0.20-0.29).
Both manual therapy and stretching were effective short-term treatments for reducing both spontaneous and strain-evoked pain in patients with chronic neck pain. It is possible that the decrease in pain reduced inhibition of the motor system and in part improved neck function. However, the changes in neck muscle strength were minor, showing that these treatments alone are not effective in improving muscle strength.
This article reviewed the literature to clarify the physiological effects and benefits of, and misconceptions about, stretches used to reduce musculoskeletal disorders.
Nine databases were reviewed to identify studies exploring the effectiveness of stretching to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Included studies were reviewed and their methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale.
The physiological effects of stretches may contribute to reducing discomfort and pain. However, if other measures are not in place to remediate their causes, stretches may suppress awareness of risks, resulting in more debilitating injuries. If inadequately performed, stretches may also cause or aggravate injuries. Careful analysis and stretching program design are required before implementing stretches. Seven studies evaluating the effectiveness of stretching to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in different occupations were identified and reviewed.
The studies provided mixed findings, but demonstrated some beneficial effect of stretching in preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. However, due to the relatively low methodological quality of the studies available in the literature, future studies are necessary for a definite response. Future studies should minimize threats to internal and external validity, have control groups, use appropriate follow-up periods, and present a more detailed description of the interventions and worker population.
To date, no study has investigated the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms in all the body regions in the general population of office workers.
To estimate the 12-month prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms in the head/neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists/hands, upper back, low back, hips, knees and ankles/feet among office workers.
We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a descriptive questionnaire distributed to 2000 office workers in 54 workplaces.
A total of 1428 subjects (71%) returned the questionnaire, of whom 1185 were eligible for the study. The annual prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms attributed to work was 63%. Sites of symptoms, in order of prevalence, were head/neck (42%), low back (34%), upper back (28%), wrists/hands (20%), shoulders (16%), ankles/feet (13%), knees (12%), hips (6%) and elbows (5%). Female office workers were more likely to report symptoms in the head/neck, shoulder, upper back and ankle/foot regions than male counterparts (P < 0.05). Office workers younger than 30 years were more likely to have symptoms in the upper back than those older than 49 years (P < 0.05).
Musculoskeletal symptoms are common among office workers with a high proportion experiencing symptoms in the spine. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in some body regions is dependent on gender and age. This indicates a need to develop specific strategies to reduce the occurrence of such symptoms among office workers.
This contribution is an extract of the presentation in the first International Symposium on the Science of Touch(ISST) in Canada in 2002. The objective of the presentation was to introduce the past and present condition of touch therapy in Japan to foreign therapists. Recently complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has become popular in Western countries because of increasing medical expenses and people's changing thoughts of health and medicine.CAM, referred to as Oriental medicine, includes acupuncture, moxibustion, touch therapy, and Chinese Herbs has long been popular in Japan. Oriental medicine, originated in ancient China, was transported to Japan in the 6th century and has developed to the present original style of therapies. In the Edo Era, touch therapy and acupuncture developed extensively and was actively practiced by a number of visually impaired therapists who managed to train a new breed of therapists. This practice made touch therapy and acupuncture gained recognition as a suitable occupation for them. In the beginning of the last century three therapies were taught in schools for the visually impaired as vocational education and it has continued being practiced. In 1991, the Japanese Association of Manual Therapy was established and touch therapists and researchers began to study how they can legitimize touch therapy scientifically and prove its effectiveness at present.
Work related musculoskeletal disorders are common among computer workers, especially in the neck/shoulder region and the upper
extremities. The relation between physical and psychosocial work load and generation of pain is still unclear. In this paper
we describe five models. According to the often addressed Cinderella hypothesis, the pain is due to an overuse of low threshold
muscle fibres. In a series of studies including intramuscular electromyography from the trapezius muscle, we have found several
motor units that were active throughout coarse arm movements, during prolonged computer work tasks, and in both voluntary
and stress induced contractions. Furthermore we have seen that motor unit statistics varies significantly between repeated
measurements in one individual, hence the method would be inappropriate for group comparisons. Finally, we discuss a model
based on a general model, literature studies, and own research.
Various theories have been proposed to explain increases in muscle extensibility observed after intermittent stretching. Most of these theories advocate a mechanical increase in length of the stretched muscle. More recently, a sensory theory has been proposed suggesting instead that increases in muscle extensibility are due to a modification of sensation only. Studies that evaluated the biomechanical effect of stretching showed that muscle length does increase during stretch application due to the viscoelastic properties of muscle. However, this length increase is transient, its magnitude and duration being dependent upon the duration and type of stretching applied. Most of these studies suggest that increases in muscle extensibility observed after a single stretching session and after short-term (3- to 8-week) stretching programs are due to modified sensation. The biomechanical effects of long-term (>8 weeks) and chronic stretching programs have not yet been evaluated. The purposes of this article are to review each of these proposed theories and to discuss the implications for research and clinical practice.
Anma therapy is a traditional style of Japanese massage, one of touch and manual therapies, and one of the most popular CAM therapies in Japan. It was brought from China in the 6th century and, while based on the theory of Chinese medicine, it developed in Japan according to Japanese preference and has recently come to include theories of Western medicine. The purpose of this study was to clarify the physical and psychological effects of Anma therapy.
Fifteen healthy female volunteers in their fifth decade, with chronic muscle stiffness in the neck and shoulder, received two interventions: 40-min Anma therapy and 40-min rest intervention. The design was cross-over design. Participants were randomly divided into two groups. Group A was started on Anma therapy from the first day followed by the rest intervention after a 3-day interval. The order of the Anma therapy and the rest intervention reversed for Group B. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score for muscle stiffness in the neck and shoulder, state anxiety score, and salivary cortisol concentration levels and secretory immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) were measured pre- and post-interventions.
Anma therapy significantly reduced VAS scores and state anxiety scores. S-IgA concentration levels increased significantly across both groups.
Anma therapy reduced muscle stiffness in the neck and shoulder and anxiety levels in this pilot study of 50-year-old females.
In spite of the favorable natural history and the nonserious nature of the problem of much work-related low back and neck pain, conventional rehabilitation methods have failed to reduce work disability. Recently, rehabilitation goals have shifted from exclusively reducing or eradicating pain to improving patients’ work and activity tolerance, avoiding illness behaviors, and preventing deconditioning and chronicity. Rehabilitation programs must incorporate strategies that have been proved to improve outcome in randomized, controlled trials. Treatment should be based on duration of symptoms, severity of impairment, and patient response. Consideration must be given to physical and psychological therapeutic milieu. Acute patients should be educated that pain is a normal part of recovery, and that activity maintenance improves outcome. Therapy should focus on restoring or maintaining flexibility, strength, and level of fitness while maintaining maximum productivity. Some acute patients may wish to change health habits and may undergo several sessions of general and low back conditioning training with the development of a health-club or home maintenance regimen.
Patients failing to respond favorably to acute treatment and other subacute patients should participate in quota-based graded exercise regimens, with behavioral management. Quantification of function for flexibility, trunk strength, lifting capacity, and cardiovascular fitness is recommended to document progress and guide treatment. „Wellness“ is stressed. Incorporating direct return-to-work advice into the treatment plan is important, as is direct communication with the employer throughout treatment. Patients should be cleared for full-duty return to work at treatment end in most circumstances. Successfully managed patients will feel confident about abilities for work and general activities. Intensive management of subacute patients may require 4 to 6 weeks and 12 to 18 comprehensive rehabilitation sessions. Once such comprehensive treatment has been provided, patients may be deemed at a medical endpoint, and further „chronic“ rehabilitation treatment should not be necessary.
The rehabilitation principles discussed here for work-injured low back and neck pain patients may be used to treat other industrial injuries as long as medical clearance is given for applying the treatment model. Specific time frames for recovery and expected performance for specific diagnoses need to be developed.
The effects of a downward-tilting (DT) keyboard tray on wrist posture, seated posture and self-assessed musculoskeletal discomfort were investigated in a field experiment. Thirty-eight professional office workers were studied. A pretest assessed how they typed using either a conventional keyboard on a desk or on an articulating keyboard tray, and with or without wrist rests. Workers were randomly allocated to a control (n = 15) or test group (n = 23) that used their existing keyboard in a DT system. A post-test was conducted 3 weeks later. Results showed no significant changes in wrist posture, seated posture or reports of musculoskeletal discomfort for the control group, and approximately 50% of typing wrist movements put the hand in a neutral zone. There were significant improvements in wrist posture, seated posture and upper body musculoskeletal discomfort for the test group using the DT system. Over 80% of typing wrist movements put the hand into a neutral zone with the DT arrangement. Reactions to using a conventional keyboard on a DT system were positive.
Tension and pain are common occupational hazards of modern-day nursing, especially given recent changes to the health care system. The aims of the pilot study were (1) to evaluate the feasibility of carrying out a series of eight 15-minute workplace-based massage treatments, and (2) to determine whether massage therapy reduced pain and stress experienced by nursing staff at a large teaching hospital. Twelve hospital staff (10 registered nurses and 2 nonmedical ward staff) working in a large tertiary care center volunteered to participate. Participants received up to eight, workplace-based, 15-minute Swedish massage treatments provided by registered massage therapists. Pain, tension, relaxation, and the Profile of Mood States were measured before and after each massage session. Pain intensity and tension levels were significantly lower after massage (P < .01). In addition, relaxation levels and overall mood state improved significantly after treatments (P < .01). The results of this pilot study support the feasibility of an eight-session, workplace-based, massage therapy program for pain and tension experienced by nurses working in a large teaching hospital. Further research is warranted to study the efficacy of workplace massage in reducing stress and improving overall mood.
A randomized between-groups design evaluated massage therapy versus relaxation for chronic low back pain.
Treatment effects were evaluated for reducing pain, depression, anxiety and stress hormones, and sleeplessness and for improving trunk range of motion associated with chronic low back pain. SUMMARY of
Twenty-four adults (M age=39.6 years) with low back pain of nociceptive origin with a duration of at least 6 months participated in the study. The groups did not differ on age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity or gender.
Twenty-four adults (12 women) with lower back pain were randomly assigned to a massage therapy or a progressive muscle relaxation group. Sessions were 30 minutes long twice a week for five weeks. On the first and last day of the 5-week study participants completed questionnaires, provided a urine sample and were assessed for range of motion.
By the end of the study, the massage therapy group, as compared to the relaxation group, reported experiencing less pain, depression, anxiety and improved sleep. They also showed improved trunk and pain flexion performance, and their serotonin and dopamine levels were higher.
Massage therapy is effective in reducing pain, stress hormones and symptoms associated with chronic low back pain.
Adults (M age=39.6 years) with low back pain with a duration of at least 6 months received two 30-min massage or relaxation therapy sessions per week for 5 weeks. Participants receiving massage therapy reported experiencing less pain, depression, anxiety and their sleep had improved. They also showed improved trunk and pain flexion performance, and their serotonin and dopamine levels were higher.
Four hundred eighty five patients whose chief complaints were work related pain and other symptoms received a comprehensive upper-body clinical evaluation to determine the extent of their illness. The group had a mean age of 38.5 years. Sixty-three percent of patients were females. Seventy percent were computer users, 28% were musicians, and 2% were others engaged in repetitive work. The time between the onset of symptoms and our initial visit ranged from 2 weeks to over 17 years. A majority sought care within 30 months with the greatest number of them seeking care before 12 months. Fifty nine percent of subjects were still working when seen despite increasing pain and symptoms such as weakness, numbness, tingling, and stiffness. Following a history, a physical assessment utilizing commonly employed clinical tests were performed including evaluation of joint range of motion, hyperlaxity, muscle tenderness, pain, strength, and imbalance. Neurologic tests included Tinel's sign performed in wrist, elbow, tricipital sulcus, and neck and tests for thoracic out syndrome (TOS). Specific tests such as Finkelstein's test for deQuervain's tenosynovitis, Phalen's test for carpal tunnel syndrome and grip strengths were included in the examination protocol. Significant findings included postural misalignment with protracted shoulders (78%), head forward position (71%), neurogenic TOS (70%), cervical radiculopathy (0.03%), evidence of sympathetic dysfunction (20%), and complex regional pain syndrome (RSD) (0.6%). Hyperlaxity of fingers and elbows was found in over 50%, carpal tunnel syndrome in 8%, radial tunnel syndrome in 7%, cubital tunnel in 64%, shoulder impingement in 13%, medial epicondylitis in 60%, lateral epicondylitis in 33%, and peripheral muscle weakness in 70%. We conclude that despite initial presentation distally, work-related upper-extremity disorders are a diffuse neuromuscular illness with significant proximal upper-body findings that affect distal function. While neurogenic TOS remains a controversial diagnosis, the substantial number of patients with positive clinical findings in this study lends weight to the concept that posture related neurogenic TOS is a key factor in the cascading series of physical events that characterize this illness. A comprehensive upper-body examination produces findings that cannot be obtained through laboratory tests and surveys alone and lays the ground work for generating hypotheses about the etiology of work related upper-extremity disorders that can be tested in controlled investigations.
The purpose of this single blinded randomised controlled trial was to investigate the effects of soft tissue massage on range of motion, reported pain and reported function in patients with shoulder pain. Twenty-nine patients referred to physiotherapy for shoulder pain were randomly assigned to a treatment group that received six treatments of soft tissue massage around the shoulder (n = 15) or to a control group that received no treatment while on the waiting list for two weeks (n = 14). Measurements were taken both before and after the experimental period by a blinded assessor. Active range of motion was measured for flexion, abduction and hand-behind-back movements. Pain was assessed with the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SFMPQ) and functional ability was assessed with the Patient Specific Functional Disability Measure (PSFDM). The treatment group showed significant improvements in range of motion compared with the control group for abduction (mean 42.2 degrees, 95% CI 24.1 to 60.4 degrees), flexion (mean 22.6 degrees, 95% CI 12.4 to 32.8 degrees) and hand-behind-back (mean 11.0 cm improvement, 95% CI 6.3 to 15.6 cm). Massage reduced pain as reported on the descriptive section of the SFMPQ by a mean of 4.9 points (95% CI 2.5 to 7.2 points) and on the visual analogue scale by an average of 26.5 mm (95% CI 5.3 to 47.6 mm), and it improved reported function on the PSFDM by a mean of 8.6 points (95% CI 4.9 to 12.3 points). We conclude that soft tissue massage around the shoulder is effective in improving range of motion, pain and function in patients with shoulder pain. The mechanisms behind these effects remain unclear.
Why are employed women at increased risk for upper limb musculoskeletal disorders and what can this tell us about the way work and family life shape health? Despite increases in women's labour force participation, gender differences in work-related health conditions have received little research attention. This appears be the first study to examine why employed women are much more likely than men to experience upper body musculoskeletal disorders. A mailed self-report survey gathered data from 737 Australian Public Service employees (73% women). The majority of respondents were clerical workers (73%). Eighty one per cent reported some upper body symptoms; of these, 20% reported severe and continuous upper body pain. Upper body musculoskeletal symptoms were more prevalent and more severe among women. The gender difference in symptom severity was explained by risk factors at work (repetitive work, poor ergonomic equipment), and at home (having less opportunity to relax and exercise outside of work). Parenthood exacerbated this gender difference, with mothers reporting the least time to relax or exercise. There was no suggestion that women were more vulnerable than men to pain, nor was there evidence of systematic confounding between perceptions of work conditions and reported health status. Changes in the nature of work mean that more and more employees, especially women, use computers for significant parts of their workday. The sex-segregation of women into sedentary, repetitive and routine work, and the persisting gender imbalance in domestic work are interlinking factors that explain gender differences in musculoskeletal disorders.
Although acupressure has been reported to be effective in managing various types of pain, its efficacy in relieving pain associated with low back pain (LBP) remains unclear. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of acupressure with that of physical therapy in reducing low back pain.
A randomized controlled clinical trial in an orthopedic referral hospital in Taiwan was conducted between December 20, 2000, and March 2, 2001. A total of 146 participants with chronic low back pain were randomly assigned to the acupressure group (69) or the physical therapy group (77), each with a different treatment technique. Self-appraised pain scores were obtained before treatment as baseline and after treatment as outcomes using the Chinese version of Short-Form Pain Questionnaire (SF-PQ).
There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics among patients randomized into the two groups. The mean of posttreatment pain score after a 4-week treatment (2.28, SD = 2.62) in the acupressure group was significantly lower than that in the physical therapy group (5.05, SD = 5.11) (P = 0.0002). At the 6-month follow-up assessment, the mean of pain score in the acupressure group (1.08, SD = 1.43) was still significantly lower than that in the physical therapy group (3.15, SD = 3.62) (P = 0.0004).
Our results suggest that acupressure is another effective alternative medicine in reducing low back pain, although the standard operating procedures involved with acupressure treatment should be carefully assessed in the future.
The Chair Massage service considered in this evaluation study was provided to carers, visiting in-patients at a major cancer hospital in the UK. The two-stage evaluation comprised: firstly, a retrospective review of treatment records for the previous 12 months (n=182), and secondly, a prospective study, gathering data by interview and a 'next-day' questionnaire from carers (n=34), during 1 week of service delivery. The study at both stages sought to identify who used the service, post-treatment comments and changes in scores using a Feeling Good Thermometer (Field, T., 2000. Touch Therapy. Churchill Livingstone, London). During the second stage the carers were also asked about their concerns and worries, and to report changes in physical and emotional states using visual scales. Findings included significant improvements in physical and psychological scores; these were retained through to the next day. The next-day questionnaire also reported improved sleep for the majority of carers. A number of concerns and worries were raised at interview, notably anxieties about the patient and uncertainty about the future, family and financial worries. Overall, the service was well evaluated with parents and in particular female carers appearing to gain the most from the intervention.
To assess the efficacy of acupressure using an aromatic essential oil (lavender) as an add-on treatment for pain relief and enhancing physical functional activities among adults with sub-acute non-specific neck pain.
Experimental study design.
The Telehealth clinic and the community centre, Hong Kong.
A course of 8-session manual acupressure with lavender oil over a 3 week period.
Changes from baseline to the end of treatment were assessed on neck pain intensity [by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)]; stiffness level; stress level; neck lateral flexion, forward flexion and extension in cm, and interference with daily activities.
The baseline VAS score for the intervention and control groups were 5.12 and 4.91 out of 10, respectively (P = 0.72). One month after the end of treatment, compared to the control group, the manual acupressure group had 23% reduced pain intensity (P = 0.02), 23% reduced neck stiffness (P = 0.001), 39% reduced stress level (P = 0.0001), improved neck flexion (P = 0.02), neck lateral flexion (P = 0.02), and neck extension (P = 0.01). However, improvements in functional disability level were found in both the manual acupressure group (P = 0.001) and control group (P = 0.02).
Our results show that eight sessions of acupressure with aromatic lavender oil were an effective method for short-term neck pain relief.
Therapeutic Chair Massage. Baltimore: Lip-pincott Williams & Wilkins
- Rr Stephens
Stephens RR. Therapeutic Chair Massage. Baltimore: Lip-pincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006.
Stretch exercises increase tolerance to stretch in patients with chronic
- Harvey La Law Ryw
- Nicholas Mk
Law RYW, Harvey LA, Nicholas MK, et al. Stretch exercises increase tolerance to stretch in patients with chronic
International Association for the Study of Pain Online document at: www.iasp-pain.org/ AM/Template.cfm?Section = Fact_Sheets2&Template
- Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal pain. (2009). International Association for the Study of Pain. Online document at: www.iasp-pain.org/ AM/Template.cfm?Section = Fact_Sheets2&Template =/CM/ ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID = 9287 Accessed December 2, 2009.
A trial into the effective-ness of soft tissue massage in the treatment of shoulder pain
- Van
- Pa Dolder
- Dl
Van den Dolder PA, Roberts DL. A trial into the effective-ness of soft tissue massage in the treatment of shoulder pain. Aust J Physiother 2003;49:183–188.
Seated Acupressure Bodywork: A Practical Hand-book for Therapists
- A Parfitt
Parfitt A. Seated Acupressure Bodywork: A Practical Hand-book for Therapists. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books, 2006.