 Massage therapy and frequency of chronic tension headaches..pdf | [Massage therapy and frequency of chronic tension headaches.] | 146 kB |
Massage therapy and frequency of chronic tension headaches.
Am J Public Health. 2002 Oct;92(10):1657-61. PMID: 12356617
Boulder College of Massage Therapy, 6255 Longbow Drive, Boulder, CO 80301, USA. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
OBJECTIVES: The effect of massage therapy on chronic nonmigraine headache was investigated. METHODS: Chronic tension headache sufferers received structured massage therapy treatment directed toward neck and shoulder muscles. Headache frequency, duration, and intensity were recorded and compared with baseline measures. RESULTS: Compared with baseline values, headache frequency was significantly reduced within the first week of the massage protocol. The reduction of headache frequency continued for the remainder of the study (P =.009). The duration of headaches tended to decrease during the massage treatment period (P =.058). Headache intensity was unaffected by massage (P =.19). CONCLUSIONS: 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.