The effect of royal traditional Thai massage in patients with myofacial pain syndrome at upper trapezius muscle: A pilot study

Abstract

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS)is found in people who work in the same position for a long period of time. To treat MPS, massage therapy is the most frequency application used. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of royal traditional Thai massage to decrease pain and increase the range of motion of neck and shoulder in patients with MPS. Thirty volunteers (15 males and 15 females)who had pain at the right upper trapezius muscle participated. The pain pressure threshold, visual analog scale, and the range of motion of neck and shoulder were measured in all volunteers. The 20 minutes royal traditional Thai massage was applied in three sessions. Results showed that pain pressure threshold and range of motion of neck and shoulder were significantly increased after treatment with royal traditional Thai massage (P < 0.05). Additionally, visual analog scale was significantly decreased after the treatment with royal traditional Thai massage (P < 0.05). In conclusion, royal traditional Thai massage may be one of good treatments for reducing pain in MPS.