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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Pain pressure threshold of a muscle tender spot increases following local and non-local rolling massage

Authors: SJ Aboodarda, AJ Spence, Duane C. Button

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

The aim of the present study was to determine the acute effect of rolling massage on pressure pain threshold (PPT) in individuals with tender spots in their plantar flexor muscles.

Methods

In a randomized control trial and single blinded study, tender spots were identified in 150 participants’ plantar flexor muscles (gastrocnemius or soleus). Then participants were randomly assigned to one of five intervention groups (n = 30): 1) heavy rolling massage on the calf that exhibited the higher tenderness (Ipsi-R), 2) heavy rolling massage on the contralateral calf (Contra-R), 3) light stroking of the skin with roller massager on the calf that exhibited the higher tenderness (Sham), 4) manual massage on the calf that exhibited the higher tenderness (Ipsi-M) and 5) no intervention (Control). PPT was measured at 30 s and up to 15 min post-intervention via a pressure algometer.

Results

At 30 s post-intervention, the Ipsi-R (24 %) and Contra-R (21 %) demonstrated higher (p < 0.03) PPT values compared with Control and Sham. During 15 min post-intervention, PPT was higher (p < 0.05) following Ipsi-R (19.2 %), Contra-R (15.9 %) and Ipsi-M (10.9 %) compared with Control. There was no difference between the effects of three deep tissue massages (Ipsi-R, Ipsi-M and Contra-R) on PPT.

Discussion

Whereas the increased PPT following ipsilateral massage (Ipsi-R and Ipsi-M) might be attributed to the release of fibrous adhesions; the non-localized effect of rolling massage on the contralateral limb suggests that other mechanisms such as a central pain-modulatory system play a role in mediation of perceived pain following brief tissue massage.

Conclusion

Overall, rolling massage over a tender spot reduces pain perception.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02528812), August 19^th, 2015.

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Title: Pain pressure threshold of a muscle tender spot increases following local and non-local rolling massage
Authors: SJ Aboodarda
AJ Spence
Duane C. Button
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-015-0729-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Pain pressure threshold of a muscle tender spot increases following local and non-local rolling massage

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

Trial registration

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