Traditional Thai Massage and Scapulocostal Syndrome

Efficacy of Traditional Thai Massage on Patients With Scapulocostal Syndrome

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of traditional Thai massage on pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, muscle tension, anxiety, cervical range of motion, patient satisfaction and side effects in the treatment of scapulocostal syndrome.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Scapulocostal Syndrome
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Traditional Thai massage; Other: Ultrasound therapy and hot pack

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 60
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Thailand
  • Khon Kaen
    • Muang, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 40002
      • Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University
    • Muang, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 40002
      • School of physical therapy, Faculty of Associated medical sciences, Khon Kaen University

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 14 years to 46 years (Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female
2. Age between 18 - 50 years old
3. The participants have experienced spontaneous scapular pain (VAS ≥ 3) for longer than 12 weeks (chronic) and that at least one trigger point will be present in the scapular region (serratus posterior superior, rhomboid groups, levator scapulae and trapezius muscles). Trigger points will be diagnosed as the presence of focal tenderness in a taut band and with pain recognition.
4. The participants will be able to follow instructions.
5. Good communication and cooperation.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. A history of the following diseases or disorders:

   • Rotator cuff disease
   • Cervical radiculopathy
   • Degenerative shoulder joint disease
   • Shoulder stiffness

2. Contraindications of traditional Thai massage

   • Contagious skin disease
   • Injury or inflammation of muscle
   • Bone fracture and/or joint dislocation
   • Open wound
   • Uncontrolled hypertension
   • Drug and/or alcohol intoxication

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: Single

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Traditional Thai massage; The participants will receive thirty minutes session of traditional Thai massage onto the scapular region for 9 sessions over a period of 3 weeks	Other: Traditional Thai massage; The participants will receive thirty minutes session of traditional Thai massage onto the scapular region for 9 sessions over a period of 3 weeks
Active Comparator: Ultrasound therapy and hot pack; The participants will receive thirty minutes session of Ultrasound therapy and hot pack for 9 sessions over a period of 3 weeks	Other: Ultrasound therapy and hot pack

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Pain intensity (Visual analog scale)	The intensity of pain will be reported by the participant on a numerical analog scale ranging from 0 to 10. Zero indicates no pain anywhere and 10 indicates the most pain ever experienced.	4 months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Time Frame
Pressure Pain Threshold	4 months
Muscle tension (Visual analog scale)	4 months
State Anxiety Inventory	4 months
patient satisfaction	3 weeks
Side effects	3 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Khon Kaen University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start: July 1, 2010
• Primary Completion (Actual): December 1, 2011
• Study Completion (Actual): December 1, 2011

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: July 19, 2010
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: July 22, 2010
• First Posted (Estimate): July 23, 2010

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Estimate): August 14, 2012
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: August 13, 2012
• Last Verified: June 1, 2011

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Traditional Thai Massage; Scapulocostal Syndrome
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Pathologic Processes; Disease; Syndrome
• Other Study ID Numbers: 527090004-4