Immediate effect of quick massage on muscle tension and pressure pain threshold

ABSTRACT

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