Impact of classic massage on the pressure pain threshold- a preliminary study
Impact of classic massage on the pressure pain threshold- a preliminary study

Summary/Abstract: Background: The pressure pain threshold (PPT) differs by muscle, depends on sex, age, and health status, and alters under the influence of disease. It is interesting to ask how and whether tissue sensitivity changes after the application of therapy. Aim of the study: The purpose of this study was to assess in healthy individuals the pressure sensitivity of muscles in the torso following a classic massage. Material and methods: A measurement of the pressure sensitivity of certain muscles of the back (the latissimus dorsi, the trapezius, and the spinal erector) was performed using an algometer before classic back massage and immediately after the procedure. A classic back massage was given to 60 healthy volunteers aged 20–47 years. The massage lasted 20 minutes and the major techniques were performed on selected superficial and deep muscles of the back. Results: The pressure sensitivity of the muscles decreased after the classic massage. Statistically significant changes were observed in the right (p < 0.001) and left (p = 0.002) spinal erectors; in the transverse part on both sides (p < 0.001), and in the descending part on both sides (p < 0.001) of the trapezius muscle; and in the right (p = 0.008) and left (p = 0.004) of the latissimus dorsi muscle. Conclusions: Classic massage alleviates tissue sensitivity to pressure in healthy individuals. It can be effective in cases of increased resting muscle tone accompanied by increased tissue sensitivity.

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