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Research: QUINN and colleagues,
Listed in Issue 85
Abstract
QUINN and colleagues, Boulder College of Massage Therapy, 6255 Longbow Drive, Boulder, CO 80301, USA, cquinn@bcmt.org, studied massage therapy and the frequency of tension headaches .
Background
The effect of massage therapy on chronic nonmigraine headaches was investigated .
Methodology
Chronic tension headache sufferers received structured massage therapy directed toward neck and shoulder muscles . Headache frequency, duration, and intensity were recorded and compared with baseline measures .
Results
Compared to baseline values, headache frequency was significantly reduced within the first week of the massage treatment and continued to decrease thereafter (p = 0.009). The duration of headaches tended to decrease (p = 0.058) and their intensity was essentially unaffected (p = 0.19).
Conclusion
The muscle-specific massage therapy technique used in this study has the potential to be a functional, nonpharmacological intervention for reducing the incidence of chronic tension headache .
References
Quinn C, Chandler C, Moraska A. Massage therapy and frequency of chronic tension headaches. American Journal of Public Health 92 (10): 1657-1661, Oct 2002.
Comment
Headache is one of the most common complaints suffered by a huge percentage of the general population. That massage, a non-drug, pleasurable therapy was demonstrated to significantly reduce both intensity and duration of nonmigraine headaches is encouraging. This treatment needs to incorporated into treatment regimes used by GPs; this is certainly a better option than the frequent use of painkillers, all of which have side effects.
