The immediate effects of traditional Thai massage for reducing pain on patients related with episodic tension-type headache

Abstract

Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common type of headache syndrome. It leads to impairment in functional, emotional and social activities. Traditional Thai massage (TTM) is an alternative treatment of this disorder. However, there is a lack of strong methodology evidence supporting its efficacy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of TTM on headache intensity (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT) and cervical range of motion among patients with episodic tension-type headache (ETTH). Sixty patients with ETTH were randomly assigned to either the TTM group or resting group. Results indicated that both groups showed a significant decrease in VAS after the treatments (1.97 ± 1.40, 3.07 ± 1.92 score; P < 0.01). VAS between the groups also exhibited a significant difference after the treatments (0.89 score, 95 % CI was 0.30 to 1.48; P < 0.01). PPT was shown a significant increase after the treatment in the TTM group (2.14 ± 0.76 kg/cm²; P < 0.01) whereas no significant difference was found in the resting group. Significant difference in PPT between the groups was found after the treatment (0.46 kg/cm², 95% CI was 0.23 to 0.70; P < 0.01).  Moreover, improvement in cervical range of motion among the patients receiving TTM was significantly greater than the other group (P < 0.05). It was concluded that the TTM can reduce pain, and improve pain related parameters in patients with ETTH.