The effectiveness of different massage techniques in the rehabilitation of patients with low back pain

Abstract

Radiculopathy and chronic low back pain represent common conditions that substantially impair quality of life through persistent nociceptive symptoms, secondary myotonic syndrome, and functional limitations. Massage techniques are increasingly regarded as supportive interventions within multimodal rehabilitation, yet comparative evidence across modalities remains limited. The present prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial enrolled 110 adults aged 18 to 65 years with subacute or chronic low back pain of 6 weeks to 12 months duration. Participants were allocated to classical therapeutic massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, or a control group receiving standard rehabilitation without massage. Each intervention lasted six weeks, with 18 sessions delivered by experienced therapists in accordance with standardized protocols. All patients followed an identical educational and exercise program and used analgesics as required. The primary endpoint was change in the Oswestry Disability Index, while secondary measures included pain intensity on the numeric rating scale, muscle stiffness, range of motion, endurance, quality of life, analgesic use, and global impression of change, with assessments performed up to six months. At six weeks, all massage modalities significantly reduced pain and disability compared with controls, with myofascial release producing the greatest improvements in functional outcomes and patient satisfaction. Classical massage and trigger point therapy also demonstrated clinically meaningful benefi

ts, particularly in mobility and spasm reduction. Improvements were sustained at three and six months, with no serious adverse events reported. These findings support the integration of massage, and particularly myofascial release, into evidence-based rehabilitation protocols for patients with low back pain.