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Sports massage: A comprehensive review

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Albert Moraska at University of Colorado
Albert Moraska
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Abstract

The science of sports massage is of interest to many populations including athletes, athletic trainers, coaches, as well as sports physiologists. While evidence to support or refute the effects of massage on sports performance is insufficient to make definitive statements, new reports and trends within data help formulate an understanding of sports massage. This article will review sports massage research on topics including lactate clearance, delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), muscle fatigue, the psychological effect of massage, and injury prevention and treatment. Articles referenced in Medline, Cochrane Database, the authors library, and references from articles are included in this review. Most studies contain methodological limitations including inadequate therapist training, insufficient duration of treatment, few subjects, or over or under working of muscles that limit a practical conclusion. Muscle soreness associated with DOMS is reduced with massage, although whether force recovers more quickly is still unclear. The research literature to date is insufficient to conclude whether massage facilitates recovery from a fatiguing effort. Both tissue healing and a psychological effect of massage are areas that may prove promising with further research. Results from published literature support a positive trend for massage to benefit athletic recovery and performance; a need for further research into sports massage, especially well-designed studies utilizing therapists specifically trained to administer this type of therapy, is warranted.
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Sports massage: A comprehensive review
A Moraska
Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness; Sep 2005; 45, 3;
ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source
pg. 370
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.
... Psikolojik etkileri; şiddetli yüklenmeler esnasında organizmada fiziksel ve fizyolojik faktörlerin yanı sıra soyut bir faktör olarak karşımıza çıkan ve insan sağlığı için çok önemli olan psikolojik yani zihinsel faktörlerde önemli derecede etkiler meydana getirmektedir (Moraska, 2005  Her tekniğin uygulaması ortalama olarak 3-5 tekrar olmalıdır (Cherkin vd., 2003). ...
... Yüksek yoğunluklu yüklenmelerden sonra uygulanan masaj yöntemi, vücudun dinlenmesini ve kasların fiziksel toparlanmasını hızlandırmak için sporcular tarafından sıklıkla tercih edilmektedir (Moraska, 2005). Bu yöntemde spor masörleri tarafından katılımcıların alt ekstremite (quadriceps, hamstring ve calf) kaslarına uygulanmak üzere sırasıyla beşer dakika öfleraj, petrisaj, friksiyon ve tekrardan öfleraj olmak üzere toplamda 20 dakika spor masajı manipülasyonları gerçekleştirilmiştir. ...
HORMONAL RESPONSES TO TRADITIONAL AND SPORTS MASSAGE RECOVERY METHODS AFTER EXERCISE
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  • Jan 2023
High intensity exercise, physical recovery methods, cortisol, ACTH, CRH, endorphin.
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... Psikolojik etkileri; şiddetli yüklenmeler esnasında organizmada fiziksel ve fizyolojik faktörlerin yanı sıra soyut bir faktör olarak karşımıza çıkan ve insan sağlığı için çok önemli olan psikolojik yani zihinsel faktörlerde önemli derecede etkiler meydana getirmektedir (Moraska, 2005  Her tekniğin uygulaması ortalama olarak 3-5 tekrar olmalıdır (Cherkin vd., 2003). ...
... Yüksek yoğunluklu yüklenmelerden sonra uygulanan masaj yöntemi, vücudun dinlenmesini ve kasların fiziksel toparlanmasını hızlandırmak için sporcular tarafından sıklıkla tercih edilmektedir (Moraska, 2005). Bu yöntemde spor masörleri tarafından katılımcıların alt ekstremite (quadriceps, hamstring ve calf) kaslarına uygulanmak üzere sırasıyla beşer dakika öfleraj, petrisaj, friksiyon ve tekrardan öfleraj olmak üzere toplamda 20 dakika spor masajı manipülasyonları gerçekleştirilmiştir. ...
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... 3, 4 The application is comprised of a triad of characteristics; frequency (Hz), amplitude (mm) and torque (lbs), 4 and mimics the therapeutic effects of tapotement massage therapy, where rhythmic percussive strokes are applied to the body with a cupped hand. 5 The impact of vibration on physical performance parameters and experiences of pain has been extensively researched, using an array of devices. Vibration is delivered by mechanical vibration, where the energy is transferred from the device directly to the tendon or muscle 6 or indirectly through the feet while standing on a platform or the hands by holding a device. ...
... 13 In contrast, the results of this current review on the positive effect of PT on explosive muscle strength contradicts research which investigated the effect of tapotement on ankle flexibility and explosive power. 55 It is deemed that PT delivered by massage guns mimics the therapeutic effects of tapotement massage therapy 5 Conclusions were similar to this current review, in that positive associations were recorded following vibration treatment. The review included 19 articles involving a combination of WBV, cycloid vibration and specifically made equipment. ...
The Effect Of Percussive Therapy On Musculoskeletal Performance And Experiences Of Pain: A Systematic Literature Review
Article
Full-text available
# Background There is a lack of specific research on the effect of percussive therapy (PT) delivered by massage guns on physiological adaptations. This systematic literature review investigates research conducted on the effects of PT interventions on performance in strength and conditioning settings, and on experiences of musculoskeletal pain. # Purpose To determine the effect of PT delivered by massage guns on physiological adaptations: muscle strength, explosive muscle strength and flexibility, and experiences of musculoskeletal pain. # Study Design Systematic literature review. # Methods Data sources (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Psychinfo, PubMed, SportDISCUS and OpenGrey) were searched from January 2006 onwards for full text literature in any language involving adult populations receiving PT delivered by massage guns, directly to any muscle belly or tendon, with comparisons to an alternative treatment, placebo or no treatment. Literature with outcomes relating to acute or chronic physiological adaptations in muscle strength, explosive muscle strength, flexibility or experiences of musculoskeletal pain were included. Articles were assessed for quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme and PEDro scores. # Results Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. All studies had limitations in methodological quality or reporting of findings but still included contextually-rich details that contributed to the overall narrative synthesis. A significant relationship was found between a single application of PT delivered by massage guns and an acute increase in muscle strength, explosive muscle strength and flexibility, with multiple treatments eliciting a reduction in experiences of musculoskeletal pain. # Conclusion PT delivered by massage guns can help improve acute muscle strength, explosive muscle strength and flexibility, and reduce experiences of musculoskeletal pain. These devices may provide a portable and cost-effective alternative to other forms of vibration and interventions.
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... Sports massage is one of the most widely used tools, both in the field of rehabilitation therapy and in sports. This is because, muscle fatigue in athletes often occurs during and after training (sports competition) [12]. Sports massage is very well known in Indonesia, and almost all massage therapists for national athletes have practiced, where the manipulation techniques used are effleurage, petrissage, shaking, friction, tapotemen, walken, vibration, stroking, and skin-rolling [13]. ...
... The difference in mean lactic acid levels from the post-test data of the two groups showed a significant result of 6.16 mmol/L (p < 0.05). The findings of this study are consistent with those of other studies that suggested sports massage may be a significant treatment for muscular exhaustion because it can influence fluid mobility in muscle tissue, boost nutrition flow, and remove waste to encourage muscle repair [12]. Previous studies have reported that sports massage is widely used to minimize injury, recovery, relaxation, and increase sports performance [25], and recovery after intense training [15]. ...
Sports Massage: How does it Affect Reducing Lactic Acid Levels in Athletes?
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2023
Increased lactic acid levels in the blood and muscles during high-intensity training and sports competitions cause muscles to get fatigued, which affects physical performance and is made worse by a greater risk of injury. Therefore, a solution is needed. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of sports massage on reducing lactic acid levels in athletes. This research is a true-experimental design with a pretest-post-test control group design. A total of 24 football athletes from the Faculty of Sports Science, Padang State University, Indonesia were used as research samples. Sports massage treatment was given after the athlete did a 1.500 meter run (experimental) and without sports massage (control). Sports massage is given to the back, back of the neck, shoulders, upper extremities, and lower extremities. The techniques used include effleurage, petrissage, shaking, tapotement, walken, vibration, and skin-rolling. Each was given 6 repetitions. Then, accutrendlactacid was used to measure lactic acid levels. Data were analyzed using a t-test. The results showed that lactic acid levels in both groups increased after running 1500 meters. However, after being given a sports massage in the experimental group, lactic acid levels decreased by 1.94 mmol/L. Meanwhile, the lactic acid level in the control group was 5.43 mmol/L. The difference in mean lactic acid levels from the post-test data of the two groups showed a significant result of 6.16 mmol/L (p < 0.05). In conclusion, giving sports massage after exercise and sports competition (high intensity) is very effective in reducing lactic acid levels in athletes. The results of this study are expected to be useful for coaches, sports health teams, and athletes to reduce lactic acid levels so that they can improve performance during exercise (sports competition), and minimize the occurrence of a high risk of injury.
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... sukshma (minute), vikasi (rapid acting), and vyavayi (spreading) guna of taila help the entry of formulation into deeper dhatus (tissues). Intravaginal drug absorption [8] and improvement of skeletal muscle performance after the massage is also proven by many studies [9,10]. ...
Ayurveda management of cystocele, uterine prolapse and weak pelvic floor strength-A case report
Article
Full-text available
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the downward displacement of pelvic organs. The condition is very common in women and negatively affects their quality of life. The aging process reflects in the form of structural and functional weakness of the pelvic floor which leads to pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). The strength and endurance of the Pelvic floor muscles (PFM) decrease significantly by these dysfunctions. In the present study, Pelvic floor strength (PFS) and endurance were assessed with the help of a perineometer. The patient was diagnosed with cystocele, uterine prolapse and weak PFS was assessed with the Perineometer. Patient was treated with Ayurvedic sthanika chikitsa (local treatment)- Yoni abhyanga (vaginal massage) and improvement in PFS was assessed after treatment. The present article aims to assess the pre and post-outcome results of PFM by using the objective tool perineometer. Seven days of yoni abhyanga along with oral medication were given and on follow-up after three months, the patient showed increased strength and endurance on the perineometer. Early diagnosis and management of the PFD will help to improve the QoL (Quality of Life) and prevent further deterioration of PFS.
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... So far, several review studies have dealt with the effects of massage therapy on various properties of interest for sport and exercise. However, most of these studies were not conducted recently; so, the latest findings could not be included [5,[7][8][9][10][11][12], and some of them were focused on specific types of massage [3] and study designs [13]. In accordance with the aforementioned information and the general significance of massage therapy and recovery in sports and exercise, there is a need for further investigations on this topic. ...
The Effects of Massage Therapy on Sport and Exercise Performance: A Systematic Review
Article
Full-text available
  • May 2023
Background: A massage is a tool that is frequently used in sports and exercise in general for recovery and increased performance. In this review paper, we aimed to search and systemize current literature findings relating to massages' effects on sports and exercise performance concerning its effects on motor abilities and neurophysiological and psychological mechanisms. Methods: The review has been written following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) guidelines. One hundred and fourteen articles were included in this review. Results: The data revealed that massages, in general, do not affect motor abilities, except flexibility. However, several studies demonstrated that positive muscle force and strength changed 48 h after the massage was given. Concerning neurophysiological parameters, the massage did not change blood lactate clearance, muscle blood flow, muscle temperature, or activation. However, many studies indicate pain reduction and delayed onset muscle soreness, which are probably correlated with the reduction of the level of creatine kinase enzyme and psychological mechanisms. In addition, the massage treatment led to a decrease in depression, stress, anxiety, and the perception of fatigue and an increase in mood, relaxation, and the perception of recovery. Conclusion: The direct usage of massages just for gaining results in sport and exercise performance seems questionable. However, it is indirectly connected to performance as an important tool when an athlete should stay focused and relaxed during competition or training and recover after them.
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... sporting (Ernst, 1998;Moraska, 2005;Weerapong, Hume, & Kolt, 2005) conditions. It seems that more people recognise massage therapy as an important element in their overall health and wellness, with clients seeking benefits such as relaxation, feelings of well-being (Back, Tam, Lee, & Haraldsson, 2009;Grant et al., 2008;Sharpe et al., 2007), improved circulation, and reduction in anxiety and pain (Moyer et al., 2004). ...
SmithJ2010PhD Massage Therapy Services for Health Needs
Thesis
Full-text available
  • May 2023
Background The use of massage therapy, a complementary and alternative medicine modality, is widespread and growing. However, little is known about why consumers choose and continue to use massage therapy, in most cases at their own expense. In addition, the characteristics of the therapeutic encounter and outcomes that provide satisfaction to the client, and encourage them to return for further treatment are unknown. Aims and objectives The purpose of this thesis was to determine why repeat users of massage therapy use and choose massage therapy, and investigate what they value in the therapeutic interaction and outcomes to return to massage therapy. The primary aim was to investigate: (1) the elements of the therapeutic encounter that are valued by clients and therapists; the importance and influence of comfort, contact, connection, and caring within a massage therapy session; and the importance of health outcomes for massage therapy clients; and (2) explore the drivers for why people continue to seek or reinitiate massage therapy. As a precursor to this, the utilisation and practice patterns of massage therapy in New Zealand by qualified massage therapists were investigated. Methods A two-phase, sequential mixed methods approach was adopted. Initially, a qualitative approach was used. Two telephone focus groups (n = 16) were conducted with providers (massage therapists) and three telephone focus groups (n = 19) were conducted with repeat users (clients) of either relaxation, remedial or sports massage services. Subsequently, themes were used to develop two specifically designed questionnaires. Practising members of Massage New Zealand (MNZ) (massage therapists: n = 66) and their clients (n = 646) were sampled. Results Focus group findings identified six valued elements of the culture of massage therapy care as well as four key drivers for repeat use of massage therapy. The survey response rate was 71.7% (n = 92) for massage therapists and 57.4% (646/1125) for massage clients. The survey of therapists highlighted a number of practice patterns: most therapists are female, NZ European, and hold a massage diploma; and massage therapy was both a full and part time occupation. The majority of massage therapists practised solo but used a wide and active referral network, and commonly used therapeutic / remedial / deep tissue, relaxation, neuromuscular therapy, and sports massage techniques. Common issues or conditions for which massage therapy was used by clients were neck / shoulder pain/problem, relaxation and stress reduction, back pain/problem, and regular recovery or maintenance massage. The essence of massage therapy involved a client-centred partnership approach to massage care, modulated by comfort, contact, connection, and caring. Drivers for returning to, or continuing with massage therapy were a regular appointment, positive expectation, positive experience and positive outcome. Data were used to build a descriptive model of the valued elements of massage therapy encounter: purposeful, participatory, process factors, person centered partnership, and product categories were highlighted. Conclusions This thesis provides an informative insight into the practice and repeat utilisation of massage therapy by MNZ therapists and their clients. Furthermore, the description of and insight into the massage therapy encounter highlights elements of process, product, and the therapeutic relationship in massage therapy. These make an original contribution to the literature on massage therapy and provide the foundation and direction for subsequent studies.
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Physiological and Neurophysiological Effects of Sports Massage on the Athletes’ Performance: A Review Study
Article
Full-text available
  • Nov 2022
Background and Aims: Massage therapy is widely used by athletes for various reasons such as recovery from fatigue, preventing injury, and relaxation. It is believed that massage improves the performance of the athletes by increasing their blood flow, removing lactic acid, and stimulating the nervous system. This review study aims to investigate the physiological and neurophysiological effects of sports massage on the athletes’ performance, to find out whether the clinical beliefs of sports physiotherapists about the effects of sports massage on sports injuries are supported by scientific evidence or not. Methods: In this review study, a search was conducted in Google Scholar PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases on studies published in English from 1975 to 2020 using the keywords: Sports massage, sports injuries, physiological mechanisms, neurophysiological mechanisms, and performance of athletes. Fifty articles about the effects of sports massage were assessed for eligibility. Finally, 14 clinical trial studies and one case report study were included in the review. Results: Few studies have been conducted on the effect of sports massage on the athletes’ performance. The existing studies are heterogeneous, i.e., they have examined the effect of massage on different factors and reported contradictory results. It seems that the effects of sports massage on the athletes’ performance are more due to its psychological effects rather than its clinical effects. The effects of sports massage on athletes’ performance have not yet been supported by scientific evidence. Conclusion: Many scholars consider that the effects of sports massage are due to increasing blood flow, but there is insufficient scientific evidence. In treatment of tendonitis and muscle strains, there is insufficient evidence that sports massage can reduce pain and accelerate healing. It seems the therapeutic effects of sport massage are more psychological and less physiological.
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tamamlayici-tip-17-ocak
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  • Jan 2022
Tamamlayıcı tıp
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Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2003
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a familiar experience for the elite or novice athlete. Symptoms can range from muscle tenderness to severe debilitating pain. The mechanisms, treatment strategies, and impact on athletic performance remain uncertain, despite the high incidence of DOMS. DOMS is most prevalent at the beginning of the sporting season when athletes are returning to training following a period of reduced activity. DOMS is also common when athletes are first introduced to certain types of activities regardless of the time of year. Eccentric activities induce micro-injury at a greater frequency and severity than other types of muscle actions. The intensity and duration of exercise are also important factors in DOMS onset. Up to six hypothesised theories have been proposed for the mechanism of DOMS, namely: lactic acid, muscle spasm, connective tissue damage, muscle damage, inflammation and the enzyme efflux theories. However, an integration of two or more theories is likely to explain muscle soreness. DOMS can affect athletic performance by causing a reduction in joint range of motion, shock attenuation and peak torque. Alterations in muscle sequencing and recruitment patterns may also occur, causing unaccustomed stress to be placed on muscle ligaments and tendons. These compensatory mechanisms may increase the risk of further injury if a premature return to sport is attempted. A number of treatment strategies have been introduced to help alleviate the severity of DOMS and to restore the maximal function of the muscles as rapidly as possible. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have demonstrated dosage-dependent effects that may also be influenced by the time of administration. Similarly, massage has shown varying results that may be attributed to the time of massage application and the type of massage technique used. Cryotherapy, stretching, homeopathy, ultrasound and electrical current modalities have demonstrated no effect on the alleviation of muscle soreness or other DOMS symptoms. Exercise is the most effective means of alleviating pain during DOMS, however the analgesic effect is also temporary. Athletes who must train on a daily basis should be encouraged to reduce the intensity and duration of exercise for 1–2 days following intense DOMS-inducing exercise. Alternatively, exercises targeting less affected body parts should be encouraged in order to allow the most affected muscle groups to recover. Eccentric exercises or novel activities should be introduced progressively over a period of 1 or 2 weeks at the beginning of, or during, the sporting season in order to reduce the level of physical impairment and/or training disruption. There are still many unanswered questions relating to DOMS, and many potential areas for future research.
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The effects of massage on delayed onset muscle soreness
Article
  • Feb 2003
Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiological and psychological effects of massage on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Methods Eighteen volunteers were randomly assigned to either a massage or control group. DOMS was induced with six sets of eight maximal eccentric contractions of the right hamstring, which were followed 2 h later by 20 min of massage or sham massage (control). Peak torque and mood were assessed at 2, 6, 24, and 48 h postexercise. Range of motion (ROM) and intensity and unpleasantness of soreness were assessed at 6, 24, and 48 h postexercise. Neutrophil count was assessed at 6 and 24 h postexercise. Results A two factor ANOVA (treatment v time) with repeated measures on the second factor showed no significant treatment differences for peak torque, ROM, neutrophils, unpleasantness of soreness, and mood (p > 0.05). The intensity of soreness, however, was significantly lower in the massage group relative to the control group at 48 h postexercise (p < 0.05). Conclusions Massage administered 2 h after exercise induced muscle injury did not improve hamstring function but did reduce the intensity of soreness 48 h after muscle insult.
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Exercise-Induced Muscle Cramp
Article
  • Jun 1996
Muscle cramp is a common, painful, physiological disturbance of skeletal muscle. Many athletes are regularly frustrated by exercise-induced muscle cramp yet the pathogenesis remains speculative with little scientific research on the subject. This has resulted in a perpetuation of myths as to the cause and treatment of it. There is a need for scientifically based protocols for the management of athletes who suffer exercise-related muscle cramp. This article reviews the literature and neurophysiology of muscle cramp occurring during exercise. Disturbances at various levels of the central and peripheral nervous system and skeletal muscle are likely to be involved in the mechanism of cramp and may explain the diverse range of conditions in which cramp occurs. The activity of the motor neuron is subject to a multitude of influences including peripheral receptor sensory input, spinal reflexes, inhibitory interneurons in the spinal cord, synaptic and neurotransmitter modulation and descending CNS input. The muscle spindle and golgi tendon organ proprioceptors are fundamental to the control of muscle length and tone and the maintenance of posture. Disturbance in the activity of these receptors may occur through faulty posture, shortened muscle length, intense exercise and exercise to fatigue, resulting in increased motor neuron activity and motor unit recruitment. The relaxation phase of muscle contraction is prolonged in a fatigued muscle, raising the likelihood of fused summation of action potentials if motor neuron activity delivers a sustained high firing frequency. Treatment of cramp is directed at reducing muscle spindle and motor neuron activity by reflex inhibition and afferent stimulation. There are no proven strategies for the prevention of exercise-induced muscle cramp but regular muscle stretching using post-isometric relaxation techniques, correction of muscle balance and posture, adequate conditioning for the activity, mental preparation for competition and avoiding provocative drugs may be beneficial. Other strategies such as incorporating plyometrics or eccentric muscle strengthening into training programmes, maintaining adequate carbohydrate reserves during competition or treating myofascial trigger points are speculative and require investigation.
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The Relationship of Massage and Exercise to Mood Enhancement
Article
  • Sep 1988
Examined the relationship between exercise, massage, and positive mood enhancement in 183 university students in physical education classes including swimming, jogging, tennis, and racquetball. Ss from other classes made up a control rest condition and a massage treatment condition resulting in a 1-way design. Data from pre- and postexercise measures indicate that the running and massage conditions consistently produced positive mood enhancement with significant decreases in tension, confusion, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and anger while maintaining high levels of vigor, which is representative of positive mental health. Practical applications of the use of massage both before and after competition and exercise are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
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The Effect of Massage on Lactate Disappearance
Article
  • Aug 1993
Although there have been frequent claims in the popular sports literature about the benefits of massage for the athlete, there is meager scientific evidence documenting the beneficial effects of massage. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sports massage on lactate disappearance following short-term, exhaustive work. Twenty-two male subjects were randomly allocated to three groups following an exhaustive treadmill run. Group 1 recovered passively, Group 2 recovered while riding a stationary bicycle at 40% [latin capital V with dot above]O2max, and Group 3 recovered while having their legs massaged. Recovery lasted 20 min for all groups. Blood was sampled and lactate was determined at rest and at 3, 5, 9, 15, and 20 min postexercise. There were no differences among the groups for blood lactate at rest or 3, 5, or 9 min postexercise. The bicycle recovery group had significantly lower lactate levels than the passive recovery group at 15 and 20 min postexercise. It was concluded that (a) massage following exercise did not remove lactate better than passive recovery in a supine position, and (b) massage following exercise did not remove lactate as well as cycling at 40% of [latin capital V with dot above]O2max. (C) 1993 National Strength and Conditioning Association
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Myths and Truths of Stretching Individualized Recommendations for Healthy Muscles
Article
  • Aug 2000
Stretching recommendations are clouded by misconceptions and conflicting research reports. This review of the current literature on stretching and range-of-motion increases finds that one static stretch of 15 to 30 seconds per day is sufficient for most patients, but some require longer durations. Heat and ice improve the effectiveness of static stretching only if applied during the stretch. Physicians should know the demands of different stretching techniques on muscles when making recommendations to patients. An individualized approach may be most effective based on intersubject variation and differences between healthy and injured tissues.
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The Effects of Massage to the Hamstring Muscle Group on Range of Motion
Article
  • Feb 1984
This study was designed to measure the effect on range of motion of a single massage treatment to the hamstring muscle group. Thirty-four normal female subjects between 18 and 35 years of age were given a 9- 12 minute massage treatment to the posterior aspect of one randomly assigned lower extremity. Passive range of motion of both lower extremities was measured by taking the perpendicular distance from the lateral malleolus to the table surface in a straight leg raise and by conventional goniometry for hip flexion and knee extension. Measurements were taken pre-, and post-, and 7-days postmassage treatment. Immediate postmassage increases in range of motion were noted in the test group (massaged) legs with significance at the 0.05 level. The possible uSe of this treatment in athletics and pathological conditions are discussed. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1984;6(3):168-172.
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