Short-term effects of traditional Thai massage on electromyogram, muscle tension and pain among patients with upper back pain associated with myofascial trigger points

• This is the first study examining the immediate effects of TTM on EMG activity.
• A 30-min session of TTM is effective in decreasing EMG activity in MPS patients.
• TTM decreases pain and feeling of muscle tension.

SummaryObjectiveTo investigate effects of traditional Thai massage (TTM) on electromyographic (EMG) activity, muscle tension and pain intensity in patients with upper back pain associated with myofascial trigger points (MTrPs).DesignA single-blind, randomized clinical trial.SettingThe Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand.InterventionFifty patients were randomly assigned to receive a 30-min session of either TTM or control (sham microwave diathermy).OutcomesElectromyogram (EMG), Muscle tension rating, and pain intensity ratingResultsTTM were associated with significant decreases in EMG, muscle tension and pain intensity after the end of treatment session (p < 0.05). For all outcomes, similar changes were not observed in the control group (p > 0.05) except for muscle tension (p < 0.05). In addition, there was a significantly greater reduction in all parameters for the TTM group when compared with the control group.ConclusionWe therefore suggest that TTM can increase physical relaxation and reduce pain in patients with upper back pain associated with MTrPs.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02067325.