Effects of traditional Thai massage versus joint mobilization on substance P and pain perception in patients with non-specific low back pain

The immediate effects of traditional Thai massage on heart rate variability and stress-related parameters in patients with back pain associated with myofascial trigger points

“…(b) Decreased pain and PNS activity. Mackawan et al (2007) showed that TTM onto low back muscle for 10 min can temporarily relieve pain in patients with non-specific low back pain and proposed that this may be explained by gate-control theory. The study reported in this paper demonstrated that self-reported pain intensity was reduced after TTM treatment and that the pain pressure threshold (PPT) correspondingly increased.…”

Therapeutic effects of traditional Thai massage on pain, muscle tension and anxiety in patients with scapulocostal syndrome: A randomized single-blinded pilot study

“…Chatchawan et al (2005) revealed that TTM can decrease pain intensity and increase PPT in patients with back pain associated with MTrPs. In addition, Mackawan et al (2007) reported that TTM can temporarily relieve pain (decrease in the pain intensity and level of substance P which is a neuropeptide that has an important role in nociceptive signal transmission (Mackawan et al, 2007) in patients with nonspecific low back pain. However, it must be noted that some aspects of these studies differ from the current study including underlying condition, the body area treated and the position of patients during treatment.…”

“…a) Decreased pain intensity and gate control theory. A reduction in pain resulting from TTM may be explained by gate control theory (Mackawan et al, 2007). The signals (via large diameter nerve fibers) from the touch or pressure stimulation reaches the brain prior to the pain signals (via thin diameter nerve fibers) and, thus, "closes the gate" to the pain stimulus.…”

“…Moreover, nutrients and oxygen are raised by more blood flow to these tissues. Therefore, this may be the one mechanism that can help relieve the pain (Mackawan et al, 2007). c) Decreased pain intensity and pain-relieving neurotransmitters.…”

Effects of Thai Traditional Massage on Pressure Pain Threshold and Headache Intensity in Patients with Chronic Tension-Type and Migraine Headaches

“…Thus, it is more likely to provide better results in overall relaxation of the patient compared with other forms of deep massage, which focus only on the trigger point. The benefits of TTM are also known to reduce salivary pain substances, 12 increase blood circulation, decrease heart rate, reduce pain, improve the efficacy of breathing, and promote relaxation. 13 One study showed that one session of massage can reduce headaches and improve other physiologic parameters.…”