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Medicine Jul 2023To critically evaluate the effects of massage therapy on cancer pain. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
To critically evaluate the effects of massage therapy on cancer pain.
METHODS
Nine Chinese and English databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, SCOPUS, Web of Science core, China Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP) were systematically searched from the inception of databases to November 2022 for randomized controlled trials. According to Cochrane Collaboration, 2 reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias and extracted data from the included studies. All analyses were performed with Review Manager 5.4.
RESULTS
Thirteen randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis, containing 1000 patients (498 in the massage therapy group and 502 in the control group). Massage therapy could significantly relieve cancer pain in patients (standardized mean difference = -1.16, 95% confidence interval [-1.39, -0.93], P < .00001), especially those in the perioperative period and those with hematological malignancies. Foot reflexology and hand acupressure had a moderate effect on cancer pain relief, with hand acupressure being more effective. Massage duration of 10 to 30 minutes and a program length of ≥1 week had a better effect and could significantly relieve pain. The occurrence of adverse events was reported in 4 of the 13 studies, all of which were no adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS
Massage therapy can be used as a complementary alternative therapy to relieve cancer pain in patients with hematological malignancies, breast cancer, and cancers of the digestive system. It is suggested that chemotherapy patients use foot reflexology, and perioperative period patients use hand acupressure. A massage duration of 10 to 30 minutes and a program length of ≥1 week is recommended to achieve better effects.
Topics: Humans; Female; Cancer Pain; Massage; Complementary Therapies; Breast Neoplasms; Hematologic Neoplasms
PubMed: 37417622
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033939 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) May 2022Basketball players face multiple challenges to in-season recovery. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on recovery modalities and nutritional... (Review)
Review
Basketball players face multiple challenges to in-season recovery. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on recovery modalities and nutritional strategies for basketball players and practical applications that can be incorporated throughout the season at various levels of competition. Sleep, protein, carbohydrate, and fluids should be the foundational components emphasized throughout the season for home and away games to promote recovery. Travel, whether by air or bus, poses nutritional and sleep challenges, therefore teams should be strategic about packing snacks and fluid options while on the road. Practitioners should also plan for meals at hotels and during air travel for their players. Basketball players should aim for a minimum of 8 h of sleep per night and be encouraged to get extra sleep during congested schedules since back-to back games, high workloads, and travel may negatively influence night-time sleep. Regular sleep monitoring, education, and feedback may aid in optimizing sleep in basketball players. In addition, incorporating consistent training times may be beneficial to reduce bed and wake time variability. Hydrotherapy, compression garments, and massage may also provide an effective recovery modality to incorporate post-competition. Future research, however, is warranted to understand the influence these modalities have on enhancing recovery in basketball players. Overall, a strategic well-rounded approach, encompassing both nutrition and recovery modality strategies, should be carefully considered and implemented with teams to support basketball players' recovery for training and competition throughout the season.
Topics: Basketball; Humans; Massage; Seasons; Sleep; Workload
PubMed: 34905181
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01606-7 -
Journal of Bodywork and Movement... Jan 2014Connective tissue manipulation or connective tissue massage (bindegewebsmassage) is a manual reflex therapy in that it is applied with the therapist's hands which are in... (Review)
Review
Connective tissue manipulation or connective tissue massage (bindegewebsmassage) is a manual reflex therapy in that it is applied with the therapist's hands which are in contact with the patient's skin. The assessment of the patient and the clinical decision-making that directs treatment is based on a theoretical model that assumes a reflex effect on the autonomic nervous system which is induced by manipulating the fascial layers within and beneath the skin to stimulate cutaneo-visceral reflexes. This paper reviews the literature and current research findings to establish the theoretical framework for CTM and the evidence for its clinical effects. The rationale for the principles of treatment are discussed and the evidence for the clinical effectiveness assessed through an analytical review of the clinical research.
Topics: Connective Tissue; Humans; Massage; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 24411158
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2013.08.003 -
Medicine Sep 2016Low back pain and pelvic girth pain are common in pregnancy and women commonly utilize complementary manual therapies such as massage, spinal manipulation, chiropractic,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Low back pain and pelvic girth pain are common in pregnancy and women commonly utilize complementary manual therapies such as massage, spinal manipulation, chiropractic, and osteopathy to manage their symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematically review was to critically appraise and synthesize the best available evidence regarding the effectiveness of manual therapies for managing pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain.
METHODS
Seven databases were searched from their inception until April 2015 for randomized controlled trials. Studies investigating the effectiveness of massage and chiropractic and osteopathic therapies were included. The study population was pregnant women of any age and at any time during the antenatal period. Study selection, data extraction, and assessment of risk of bias were conducted by 2 reviewers independently, using the Cochrane tool. Separate meta-analyses were conducted to compare manual therapies to different control interventions.
RESULTS
Out of 348 nonduplicate records, 11 articles reporting on 10 studies on a total of 1198 pregnant women were included in this meta-analysis. The therapeutic interventions predominantly involved massage and osteopathic manipulative therapy. Meta-analyses found positive effects for manual therapy on pain intensity when compared to usual care and relaxation but not when compared to sham interventions. Acceptability did not differ between manual therapy and usual care or sham interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
There is currently limited evidence to support the use of complementary manual therapies as an option for managing low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy. Considering the lack of effect compared to sham interventions, further high-quality research is needed to determine causal effects, the influence of the therapist on the perceived effectiveness of treatments, and adequate dose-response of complementary manual therapies on low back and pelvic pain outcomes during pregnancy.
Topics: Adult; Back Pain; Complementary Therapies; Female; Humans; Manipulation, Chiropractic; Manipulation, Osteopathic; Manipulation, Spinal; Massage; Pelvic Pain; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27661020
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000004723 -
Journal of Sports Science & Medicine Jun 2019Self myofascial therapy via foam roller is a common technique used by many athletes and patients to aid recovery, improve range of motion (ROM) and prevent injury.... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Self myofascial therapy via foam roller is a common technique used by many athletes and patients to aid recovery, improve range of motion (ROM) and prevent injury. Further, it is suggested that foam rolling improves core stability. However, research about the training effects of foam rolling on measures of core "strength endurance", muscle performance, balance and flexibility is limited. Forty recreationally active females and males (age: 18-48 yrs) were randomly assigned to a foam roll (FOAM, n = 14), a core stabilization (CORE; n = 12) and a control group (CG, n = 12). FOAM massaged their lower leg muscles (5 exercises) with the foam roll 2 times per week for 8 weeks while CORE was assigned to core stability training including 5 exercises. CG underwent no intervention. Applied tests for outcome measurements were the Bourban trunk muscle strength test (TMS), standing long jump (SLJ), single leg triple hop for distance (SLTH) test, Y-Balance test and stand and reach test. There was an interaction effect (time x treatment) for the dorsal TMS (p = 0.043), demonstrating greater improvements in CORE compared with FOAM and CG with no difference between FOAM and CG. For the stand and reach test a main effect for time (p < 0.001) and time x treatment interaction (p = 0.005) were found, indicating an increase in ROM in FOAM compared with CORE and CG with no difference between the latter. No significant effects were found for balance and muscle performance. An 8-week training with the foam roll is effective in increasing ROM in the stand and reach test without concomitant decreases in core "strength endurance", muscle performance and balance parameters. The core stabilization training was sufficient to improve performance in dorsal TMS test.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Massage; Middle Aged; Muscle Strength; Muscle, Skeletal; Physical Endurance; Postural Balance; Range of Motion, Articular; Torso; Young Adult
PubMed: 31191092
DOI: No ID Found -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine Mar 2021Constipation and distension are dominant gastrointestinal problems after stroke in the elderly. Always they are treated by the use of laxatives and fibers. Abdominal... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
INTRODUCTION
Constipation and distension are dominant gastrointestinal problems after stroke in the elderly. Always they are treated by the use of laxatives and fibers. Abdominal massage along with a healthy lifestyle can be a solution.
PURPOSE
This study aimed to investigate the effect of abdominal massage and lifestyle training on constipation and distention of the elderly with stroke.
METHOD
This study was a randomized clinical trial that was conducted on elderly patients with stroke at Qaem hospital of Mashhad, Iran. 68 patients were randomly allocated into control (n = 34) and intervention (n = 34) groups in 2017-2018. Finally 29 elderly in the intervention and 34 in the control group completed the study. Intervention included the abdominal massage by using "I LOV U" method along with lifestyle education. Each abdominal massage lasted for 15 min, twice daily for ten days that was performed at first session by the researcher and then continued by the key care giver. Data were collected by the demographic form, constipation assessment score (CAS), distension measurement tool (meter), and food tolerance evaluation checklist.
RESULTS
The results indicated that both groups were homogeneous in demographic variables (P > 0.05). The repeated ANOVA showed a more significant decrease in abdominal circumference of the intervention group during the 10- days study (P = 0.029).The Friedman test showed a significant difference in frequency of defecation in two groups in 10- day study (P < 0.0001). Therefore the CAS Score was significantly decreased in intervention group more than the control group (0.30 < 0.98 < 1.59, P = 0.001, EF = 0.44). The food tolerance frequencies through Gavage (P = 0.20), and also orally (P < 0.001) were significantly improved in the intervention group.
CONCLUSION
According to results, the abdominal massage along with lifestyle training could improve constipation and distension and also increase food intake tolerance in the elderly patients with stroke.
Topics: Aged; Constipation; Humans; Laxatives; Life Style; Massage; Stroke
PubMed: 33465382
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102665 -
The Clinical Journal of Pain Feb 2015Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are focal disruptions in the skeletal muscle that can refer pain to the head and reproduce the pain patterns of tension-type HA (TTH).... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are focal disruptions in the skeletal muscle that can refer pain to the head and reproduce the pain patterns of tension-type HA (TTH). The present study applied massage focused on MTrPs of patients with TTH in a placebo-controlled, clinical trial to assess efficacy on reducing headache (HA) pain.
METHODS
Fifty-six patients with TTH were randomized to receive 12 massage or placebo (detuned ultrasound) sessions over 6 weeks, or to wait-list. Trigger point release massage focused on MTrPs in cervical musculature. HA pain (frequency, intensity, and duration) was recorded in a daily HA diary. Additional outcome measures included self-report of perceived clinical change in HA pain and pressure-pain threshold at MTrPs in the upper trapezius and suboccipital muscles.
RESULTS
From diary recordings, group differences across time were detected in HA frequency (P=0.026), but not for intensity or duration. Post hoc analysis indicated that HA frequency decreased from baseline for both massage (P<0.0003) and placebo (P=0.013), but no difference was detected between massage and placebo. Patient report of perceived clinical change was greater reduction in HA pain for massage than placebo or wait-list groups (P=0.002). Pressure-pain threshold improved in all muscles tested for massage only (all P's<0.002).
DISCUSSION
Two findings from this study are apparent: (1) MTrPs are important components in the treatment of TTH, and (2) TTH, like other chronic conditions, is responsive to placebo. Clinical trials on HA that do not include a placebo group are at risk for overestimating the specific contribution from the active intervention.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Massage; Medical Records; Pain Measurement; Pain Threshold; Quality of Life; Self Report; Tension-Type Headache; Treatment Outcome; Trigger Points; Waiting Lists
PubMed: 25329141
DOI: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000091 -
Medicine Apr 2023The study aimed to compare the effects of connective tissue massage (CTM) and classical massage (CM) in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain on pain and... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
The study aimed to compare the effects of connective tissue massage (CTM) and classical massage (CM) in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain on pain and autonomic responses and to determine the most effective manual therapy method.
METHODS
Seventy individuals with chronic mechanical low back pain were randomly divided into CTM (n = 35) and CM (n = 35) groups. The participants were given a 4-week treatment protocol consisting of a hot pack, exercise, and CTM or CM for 20 sessions. A visual analog scale was used to measure pain intensity. Heart rate, blood pressure, and skin temperature were measured for the evaluation of autonomic responses. In addition, disability (Oswestry disability index), quality of life (short form 36), and sleep quality (Pittsburgh sleep quality index) were evaluated. Participants were assessed before and after the 4-week treatment period as well as at the end of the 6-week follow-up period. In addition, visual analog index measurements were repeated at the end of each treatment week.
RESULTS
Pain intensity was decreased in both groups (P < .05). However, CM was more effective than CTM at the end of the 2nd week (P < .05). In autonomic responses results, there were increases in peripheral skin temperatures in both groups (P < .05). Disability, quality of life, and sleep quality improved in both groups (P < .05). There were no differences between the groups relating to autonomic responses, disability, quality of life, and sleep quality (P > .05).
CONCLUSION
The results of this study showed that massages were similar effect. The fact that CM is a frequently used technique in pain management and is as effective as CTM in autonomic responses will make it more preferred in the clinic.
Topics: Humans; Chronic Pain; Connective Tissue; Low Back Pain; Massage; Pain Measurement; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37058058
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033516 -
Journal of Physiotherapy Jul 2015Is massage therapy effective for people with musculoskeletal disorders compared to any other treatment or no treatment? (Review)
Review
QUESTION
Is massage therapy effective for people with musculoskeletal disorders compared to any other treatment or no treatment?
DESIGN
Systematic review of randomised clinical trials.
PARTICIPANTS
People with musculoskeletal disorders.
INTERVENTIONS
Massage therapy (manual manipulation of the soft tissues) as a stand-alone intervention.
OUTCOME
The primary outcomes were pain and function.
RESULTS
The 26 eligible randomised trials involved 2565 participants. The mean sample size was 95 participants (range 16 to 579) per study; 10 studies were considered to be at low risk of bias. Overall, low-to-moderate-level evidence indicated that massage reduces pain in the short term compared to no treatment in people with shoulder pain and osteoarthritis of the knee, but not in those with low back pain or neck pain. Furthermore, low-to-moderate-level evidence indicated that massage improves function in the short term compared to no treatment in people with low back pain, knee arthritis or shoulder pain. Low-to-very-low-level evidence from single studies indicated no clear benefits of massage over acupuncture, joint mobilisation, manipulation or relaxation therapy in people with fibromyalgia, low back pain and general musculoskeletal pain.
CONCLUSIONS
Massage therapy, as a stand-alone treatment, reduces pain and improves function compared to no treatment in some musculoskeletal conditions. When massage is compared to another active treatment, no clear benefit was evident.
Topics: Humans; Massage; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26093806
DOI: 10.1016/j.jphys.2015.05.018 -
Skin Research and Technology : Official... May 2022Facial massage is empirically known to be associated with morphological changes, such as improvements in facial sagging. However, quantified objective evaluations of...
BACKGROUND
Facial massage is empirically known to be associated with morphological changes, such as improvements in facial sagging. However, quantified objective evaluations of massage-induced changes have not been performed to date. This preliminary pilot study aimed to verify the effectiveness of facial massages by using breakthrough computed tomographic technology.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Five healthy adult volunteers (three women and two men; age, 29-37 years) were enrolled, and computed tomography (CT) examinations using a 320 detectors-spiral CT system known as 320-multidetector-row CT (MDCT) were performed before and after facial massages. Each participant performed a self-massage twice daily for 2 weeks. Massage-induced changes in the cheeks and the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) were analyzed by two radiologists on a workstation with a high-accuracy imaging analysis system.
RESULTS
After facial massage, the malar top became thinner by -0.8% ± 0.45% and shifted cranially and horizontally over a distance of 3.9 ± 1.94 mm. The SMAS-height, defined as the highest vertical distance of the SMAS, increased by 2.6% ± 2.6%. The change rate in cheek thickness and SMAS-height showed a significant correlation (r = -0.63; P < 0.05). These changes were attributed to the lifting and tightening effects of facial massage.
CONCLUSION
We conducted a detailed analysis of the effects of facial massages by using the breakthrough CT technology. Our results provide useful information for beauty treatments and could contribute to the collection of objective scientific evidence for facial massages.
Topics: Adult; Face; Female; Humans; Male; Massage; Pilot Projects; Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 35416349
DOI: 10.1111/srt.13152