20 Participants Needed

Massage for Muscle Pain

KR
Overseen ByKayla Russell-Bertucci
Age: 18+
Sex: Female
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of Michigan
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)
Approved in 3 JurisdictionsThis treatment is already approved in other countries

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it does mention that you should not be undergoing other treatments for side effects related to your cancer diagnosis.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Myofascial Massage, Myofascial Release, Medical Massage for muscle pain?

Research shows that myofascial release, a type of massage therapy, can help reduce pain and improve physical function in conditions like chronic low back pain and fibromyalgia, which suggests it might also be effective for muscle pain.12345

Is myofascial release therapy safe for humans?

Myofascial release therapy, a type of massage, is generally considered safe for humans, as it is widely used for various conditions like low back pain and fibromyalgia. However, there is limited scientific research specifically addressing its safety, so it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.678910

How is Myofascial Massage different from other treatments for muscle pain?

Myofascial Massage, also known as Myofascial Release, is unique because it focuses on releasing fascial restrictions (tightness in the connective tissue) that can cause pain and dysfunction. Unlike other treatments, it can be performed manually by a therapist or through self-myofascial release using simple tools, making it accessible for home use.68111213

What is the purpose of this trial?

The objective of the proposed study is to assess how myofascial massage alters stiffness and microvascular perfusion of shoulder muscles and how these changes are influenced by patient-therapist interactions.The primary hypothesis is that stiffness of shoulder muscles will be decreased, and microvascular perfusion will be increased after a 30-minute myofascial massage, and that the addition of patient-therapist communication levels will result in greater changes with certain levels.

Research Team

DL

David Lipps, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Michigan

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for breast cancer survivors who finished primary treatment 3 months to 2 years ago and are experiencing myofascial pain in the upper chest. Participants must understand and agree to the study's terms. Those with fibromyalgia, unrelated chronic injuries affecting arm function, ongoing treatments for other cancers or physical therapies, or broken skin in the area cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

Ability to understand and willingness to sign a written informed consent.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in one breast.
I finished my primary breast cancer treatment between 3 months and 2 years ago, except for oral maintenance.
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
I have a long-term muscle or bone injury in my arm that is not because of my cancer.
Currently receiving treatment for other forms of cancer
See 3 more

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a 30-minute myofascial massage with varying levels of patient-therapist communication

1 day
1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in muscle stiffness and perfusion after treatment

1 hour
1 visit (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Myofascial Massage
Trial Overview The study aims to see if a 30-minute myofascial massage can make shoulder muscles less stiff and improve blood flow within them. It also looks at whether talking more with therapists during the session makes these effects stronger.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Massage with communication level 2Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
The therapist and the participant will have this level of communication (known as level 2). Further details will be explained at the end of the study.
Group II: Massage with communication level 1Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
The therapist and the participant will have this level of communication (known as level 1 here). Further details will be explained at the end of the study.

Myofascial Massage is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:

🇺🇸
Approved in United States as Myofascial Massage for:
  • Relief of myofascial pain and stiffness in breast cancer survivors
🇪🇺
Approved in European Union as Myofascial Release for:
  • Management of post-surgical pain and restricted mobility in breast cancer patients
🇨🇦
Approved in Canada as Myofascial Massage for:
  • Improvement of shoulder muscle properties in breast cancer survivors with myofascial pain

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Michigan

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,891
Recruited
6,458,000+

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

Collaborator

Trials
886
Recruited
677,000+

Findings from Research

In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 86 patients with fibromyalgia, myofascial release techniques significantly reduced pain symptoms and improved physical function after 20 weeks of treatment.
While myofascial release showed benefits in pain and clinical severity, it did not enhance postural stability, indicating its role as a complementary therapy rather than a comprehensive solution for all fibromyalgia symptoms.
Effects of myofascial release techniques on pain, physical function, and postural stability in patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial.Castro-Sánchez, AM., Matarán-Peñarrocha, GA., Arroyo-Morales, M., et al.[2022]
Myofascial release therapy resulted in significantly lower pain intensity scores compared to both the control group and the passive muscle stretching group after eight weeks, indicating its potential effectiveness for managing fibromyalgia pain.
Participants in the myofascial release group also reported better health status, as measured by the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire, compared to the control group after four and eight weeks, although no significant differences were found between the myofascial release and stretching groups.
The effect of myofascial release of the physiological chains on the pain and health status in patients with fibromyalgia, compared to passive muscle stretching and a control group: a randomized controlled clinical trial.Schulze, NBB., Barreto, TDNP., Alencar, GG., et al.[2023]
In a study of 59 participants with occupational mechanical neck pain, myofascial release therapy was found to be more effective than manual therapy in improving neck motion and quality of life after five treatment sessions.
Myofascial release therapy significantly improved the craniovertebral angle and cervical motion (side bending and rotation) compared to manual therapy, indicating its potential as a superior treatment option for this condition.
Myofascial Release Therapy in the Treatment of Occupational Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Parallel Group Study.Rodríguez-Fuentes, I., De Toro, FJ., Rodríguez-Fuentes, G., et al.[2018]

References

Effects of myofascial release techniques on pain, physical function, and postural stability in patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. [2022]
The effect of myofascial release of the physiological chains on the pain and health status in patients with fibromyalgia, compared to passive muscle stretching and a control group: a randomized controlled clinical trial. [2023]
Myofascial Release Therapy in the Treatment of Occupational Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Parallel Group Study. [2018]
Effectiveness of myofascial release in the management of chronic low back pain in nursing professionals. [2014]
Effectiveness of myofascial release on pain, sleep, and quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: A systematic review. [2021]
Sustained release myofascial release as treatment for a patient with complications of rheumatoid arthritis and collagenous colitis: a case report. [2021]
Effectiveness of myofascial release: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. [2022]
Duration and magnitude of myofascial release in 3-dimensional bioengineered tendons: effects on wound healing. [2022]
Effectiveness of myofascial release in treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review. [2022]
10.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Immediate biomechanical, systemic, and interoceptive effects of myofascial release on the thoracic spine: A randomised controlled trial. [2019]
11.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Effect of self-myofascial release on myofascial pain, muscle flexibility, and strength: A narrative review. [2022]
Effects of compression at myofascial trigger points in patients with acute low back pain: A randomized controlled trial. [2022]
Myofascial release for the treatment of pain and dysfunction in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. [2023]
Unbiased ResultsWe believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your DataWe only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials OnlyAll of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.
Back to top
Terms of Service·Privacy Policy·Cookies·Security