Massage Therapy for Healthcare Staff

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Guidline-basaed massage therapy: Massage protocol based on guidelines from the Polish Society of Physiotherapy, the Polish Society of Family Medicine, the College of Family Physicians in Poland, and the European Rural and Isolated Practitioners

Swedish massage: A classical form of therapeutic massage that uses a combination of long, flowing strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, and gentle stretching to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and reduce muscle tension. It is typically performed using oil or lotion to reduce friction on the skin. Techniques are applied with light to moderate pressure and are designed to enhance general well-being and support recovery from muscular discomfort or stress

Study summary

The piriformis muscle can be a contributing factor to low back pain (LBP) due to its anatomical proximity to the sciatic nerve and sacroiliac joint. When the piriformis becomes tight or irritated, it may compress or irritate the sciatic nerve-a condition often referred to as piriformis syndrome-leading to pain that radiates from the lower back to the buttock and down the leg.

The goal of this clinical trial is to examine the effectiveness of massage therapy in counteracting symptoms of low back pain (LBP) among healthcare workers. The main question it aims to answer is:

\- Can massage of the piriformis muscle and related musculature effectively reduce symptoms in individuals experiencing LBP linked to myofascial or neuromuscular dysfunction?

Massage therapy targeting the piriformis and associated muscles (e.g., gluteus maximus, medius, and deep hip rotators) can help by:

* Reducing muscle tension and spasms,
* Improving local blood circulation,
* Alleviating pressure on the sciatic nerve,
* Restoring hip mobility and muscle balance.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• VAS scale — From enrollment to the end of treatment at 2 weeks
  Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a continuous scale consisting of a horizontal line, 100 mm long, anchored by "no pain" (score of 0) and "worst imaginable pain" (score of 10). VAS is frequently used to determine the effectiveness of treatment as an outcome measure. Most studies show that VAS is a valid and reliable scale.
• ODI — From enrollment to the end of treatment at 2 weeks
  The ODI (Oswestry Disability Index) is a standardized questionnaire used to measure a patient's level of disability due to lower back pain. It assesses how back pain affects a person's ability to manage everyday life.

Trial sites (1)

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