The effect of traditional Chinese Therapeutic Massage on individuals with neck pain

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of Traditional Chinese Therapeutic Massage on individuals with neck pain.

Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Setting: University laboratory.

Participants: Thirty-one volunteers with neck pain and loss in range of motion, for longer than one year were recruited from California State University staff and faculty. A total 28 subjects completed the study.

Intervention: Traditional Chinese Therapeutic Massage (TCTM) and a home based, self-administrated exercise program.

Main outcome measurement: A previously published neck pain questionnaire was used to measure pain intensity and the quality of life. A neck range of motion test was used to assess the changes in neck flexibility.

Results: The TCTM group had a significant reduction in the scoring of pain questionnaire (p<0.05) and significant improvement in ROM (p<0.05), after 6 week’s treatment, and after 6 week’s follow-up. The exercise plus TCTM appeared to be equally effective as TCTM alone.

Conclusion: Traditional Chinese Therapeutic Massage provided significant benefit to those suffering from neck pain. Further studies need to address the combination of the treatments using TCTM and the therapies in mainstream medicine.