Comparison of Deep Tissue Massage and Therapeutic Massage for Lower Back Pain, Disease Activity, and Functional Capacity of Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients: A Randomized Clinical Pilot Study

Abstract

Objectives This study aims to compare the effectiveness of deep tissue massage (DTM) and therapeutic massage (TM) in the management of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. Materials and Methods This was a small, randomized clinical pilot study. Subjects were 27 men with diagnosed AS, randomly assigned to DTM group or TM group. Subjects in each group had 10 sessions of massage. Outcomes included the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Modified Schober Test, Finger to Floor Test, chest expansion, and pain intensity of lower back. Results There are no statistical significant differences between groups, except for BASDAI and pain intensity of lower back. Conclusions This study suggests that massage may have clinical benefits for treating ankylosing spondylitis patients. Additional scientific research in this area is warranted.

Effectiveness of Soft Tissue Mobilisation as an adjunct to the Conventional Therapy in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

“…However a case study was found to show the effect of a massage protocol that include Swedish strokes, stretching with myofascial release and trigger point therapy for 7 sessions (28 days) on a 47 year old woman had an improvement of stiffness in VAS to 1.2 from 3. Forward and lateral (left and right) Finger to loor distance had decreased to 4inch, 16.5inch and 16.5inch respectively whereas the initial values were 6inch, 21inch and 20.5inch respectively [40].…”

“…Romanowski et al [40], conducted a randomized clinical pilot study to compare the effectiveness of two different types of massage in patients with AS [40]. Total 27 patients were allotted in both groups (one group treated with deep tissue massage other with therapeutic massage) were taken 10 session of 30 minutes for 2 weeks each.…”

Manual Therapy (Postisometric Relaxation and Joint Mobilization) in Knee Pain and Function Experienced by Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Clinical Pilot Study

“…The study was a randomized clinical pilot study with unblinded treatment and blinded outcome assessment. We followed the randomization procedure of Romanowski et al [ 24 ]. It included eligible patients recruited from the patients who had been hospitalized in the rheumatology ward at this time with a diagnosis of RA [ 25 ], and they had pain in one knee (VAS) ≥ 4, disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) ≤ 5.1, and Power Doppler Ultrasonography (PDUS) ≤ grade 1 [ 26 ].…”

<p>Recommendation for the Management of Spondyloarthritis Patients in Kuwait</p>

“…Physiotherapy is considered to play a role in patient management as it helps to maintain function and an adequate quality of life. 41 Tailored to the individual patient, regular physical activity and interruption of sedentary occupations should be encouraged to promote general health and well-being and improve function. 42 Passive physical therapy, such as massage, ultrasound or the application of heat, may help to alleviate symptoms of axial SpA such as pain and stiffness.…”

“…42 Passive physical therapy, such as massage, ultrasound or the application of heat, may help to alleviate symptoms of axial SpA such as pain and stiffness. 41,43 However, it should be used as an adjunct to regular physical activity, 12 as some forms of deep tissue massage and spinal manipulation can cause disease flareups in people with axial SpA and should therefore be avoided. 43 Our preference is to recommend active physical therapy and supervised exercise programmes, 12 which may help to improve mobility, strength, balance and cardio-respiratory function.…”