International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice最新文献

{"title":"Efficacy of Myofascial Release in Improving the Flexibility of Erector Spinae and Thoracolumbar Fascia in Subjects with Chronic Low Back Pain-A Sonoelastographic Analysis.","authors":"J Manisha, Rajeev Pulimi, R Angeline, Sharath Raj Mohan Doss, P Antony Leo Aseer, K Subbiah","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i3.1329","DOIUrl":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i3.1329","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is characterized by its diverse etiological factors. Scientific literature implies that fasciae might be crucial in the presentation of CLBP. Myofascial release (MFR) techniques are frequently employed within the realm of manual therapy and are found to reduce pain. However, studies investigating the structural and biomechanical effects of MFR findings remain limited.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to determine and compare the effect of MFR and simulated MFR on the flexibility of the erector spinae (ES) muscles and thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) utilizing sonoelastography in individuals with CLBP.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An experimental study was conducted with 40 individuals diagnosed with CLBP, who were recruited from the outpatient department of a tertiary-care hospital based on specified eligibility criteria. Participants were then randomly assigned to one of the study groups. Stiffness of the ES muscle and TLF were assessed through sonoelastography, while fascial thickness was evaluated via B-mode ultrasound. Pain intensity was quantified using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, and lumbar mobility was assessed through the modified-modified Schober's test. The statistical analysis was performed using an independent <i>t</i>-test with statistical significance established at p < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The between-group analysis showed a significant reduction in bilateral ES muscle and TLF stiffness (p = 0.00). There was also a significant reduction in TLF thickness when compared to the simulated group (p = 0.00). Additionally, an immediate decrease in pain intensity (p = 0.00) and an increase in trunk mobility (p = 0.00) were found in the MFR group when compared to the simulated MFR group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The MFR group demonstrated immediate tissue changes, reduced pain intensity, and improved trunk mobility in comparison with the simulated MFR group.</p>","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"19 3","pages":"39-49"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13537316/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148881808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of Oketani Breast Massage for Reducing Pain and Depression in Perimenopausal Women with Cyclical Mastalgia: A One-group Pre-test and Post-test Study.","authors":"Geethapriya Vadamalai, Senthilkumar S, Karthika Ramalingam, Kamalakannan M, Keerthana Ravi, Nithyadarshini Nadar","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i3.1411","DOIUrl":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i3.1411","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cyclical mastalgia is common among perimenopausal women and often coexists with depressive symptoms, significantly impairing quality of life. Pharmacological treatments offer limited relief and may cause side effects. Oketani breast massage (OBM), a non-invasive technique targeting retro-mammary tissues, has shown benefits in lactating women but remains unexplored in perimenopausal women with cyclical mastalgia. This study aimed to assess its effectiveness in reducing breast pain and depressive symptoms.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A single-group pre-test and post-test quasi-experimental design was used. Thirty-eight perimenopausal women aged 45-55 years with cyclical mastalgia were recruited. Participants received OBM twice weekly for 4 weeks, delivered by a trained therapist. Breast pain and depressive symptoms were measured before and after the intervention using the Breast Pain Questionnaire (BPQ) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Due to non-normal data distribution, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Post-intervention analysis showed significant reductions in BPQ (mean difference = 5.00, p < 0.001) and HDRS scores (mean difference = 10.00, p < 0.001). Both outcomes had large effect sizes (1.00), indicating notable clinical improvements. No adverse effects were reported by any participants.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>OBM appears to be a safe and effective non-pharmacological intervention for managing cyclical mastalgia and associated depressive symptoms in perimenopausal women. Its simplicity, non-invasive nature, and dual benefits make it a valuable component of integrative women's health care. Further randomized controlled trials with larger samples are recommended to confirm these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"19 3","pages":"80-89"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13537310/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148881841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Graston Technique and Deep Friction Massage on Plantar Fasciitis Using the Foot Function Index: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Sanam Maurya, Sandeep Pattnaik, Sunita Sharma","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i3.1389","DOIUrl":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i3.1389","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common foot condition characterized by heel pain. Deep friction massage and Graston technique (GT) are manual therapy techniques used to manage PF. This scoping review aimed to assess the effectiveness of these techniques on pain, disability, and function in individuals with PF, as measured by the Foot Function Index (FFI).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search was conducted in electronic databases (PubMed, PEDro, EBSCOhost, Cochrane Library) using relevant keywords. Studies were included if they involved adult participants with PF, utilized deep friction massage and/or GT as the intervention, and employed the FFI as an outcome measure. Data were extracted on study characteristics, participants, interventions, and outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Six studies (five randomized controlled trials and one quasi-experimental study) involving 299 participants were included. All studies indicated statistically significant changes or improvements in within-group FFI after deep friction massage or GT. Four studies showed absolute changes in FFI measure beyond the minimal clinically important difference (defined as ≥7 points for the total FFI), which indicates some clinical significance regarding a functional change. However, between-group differences varied, and some studies reported no difference between the two treatments.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings suggest that both deep friction massage and GT may be effective in managing PF. Further research with larger, well-designed studies is needed to assess long-term effects and optimize treatment for diverse patient characteristics. A multimodal approach, considering patient-specific factors, may be necessary to achieve optimal outcomes in PF management.</p>","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"19 3","pages":"70-79"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13537307/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148881853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Immediate Effect of Craniosacral Therapy on Postpartum Neck Pain-An Experimental Study.","authors":"Sona Yanghi Hurtigkarl, Ashwini Bulbuli","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i3.1351","DOIUrl":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i3.1351","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>After giving birth, women may experience postpartum neck pain, which is frequently brought on by hormonal changes, physical strain during labor, or bad posture while tending to the newborn. In order to encourage relaxation, lessen pain, and enhance general well-being, craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method that focuses on releasing tension in the craniosacral system, which includes the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To assess immediate effects of CST on postpartum neck pain. It sought to evaluate changes in the intensity of neck pain and neck muscle contraction prior to treatment and 24 hours following CST. Pain severity was assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and neck muscle contraction was assessed using a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU).</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Maternity wards of a tertiary-care hospital in Karnataka, India.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Postpartum women aged 21-40 years who were experiencing neck pain in the early puerperal period.</p><p><strong>Research design: </strong>A single-group pre- and post-intervention experimental study.</p><p><strong>Intervention: </strong>A single 30-min session of CST.</p><p><strong>Main outcome measures: </strong>NPRS and craniocervical flexion test against PBU. Assessments were conducted pre-intervention and 24 h post-intervention. The data analysis was carried out using SPSS 29.0 software and Microsoft Excel 2019.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CST resulted in a statistically significant reduction in postpartum neck pain, with the NPRS median score decreasing from 6 to 1 (76.14% reduction, p < 0.01). Additionally, there was a 4.40% increase in deep neck flexor muscle activation, as indicated by the PBU median value increasing from 27 mmHg to 28 mmHg (p < 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A single 30-min CST session significantly reduced postpartum neck pain and improved deep neck flexor muscle activation. These findings highlight CST as an effective immediate intervention for pain relief and muscle function enhancement in postpartum women.</p>","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"19 3","pages":"62-69"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13537308/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148881796","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Public Trust in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Building and Maintaining Credibility.","authors":"Amanda Baskwill","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i3.1611","DOIUrl":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i3.1611","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Credibility is fundamental to the continued development and integration of therapeutic massage and bodywork as a health profession. However, credibility does not arise automatically from advances in education, regulation, research, or professional standards. Drawing on literature from massage therapy, professional identity, sociology of professions, and health professional education, this editorial argues that credibility is a social judgment conferred through recognition by patients, colleagues, regulators, and the public. The discussion examines the relationships among professionalization, professional identity, trust, and everyday practice, emphasizing the importance of communication, informed consent, collaboration, accountability, and professional conduct. Credibility is presented not as an achievement but as an ongoing professional responsibility earned through the consistent demonstration of competence, integrity, and trustworthiness across professional contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"19 3","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13537311/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148881811","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Immediate Effects of Fascial Manipulation on Pain in Patients with Myofascial Densification and Central Sensitization: A Case Series.","authors":"Aishwarya Nitin Sonwane, Madhuripu, M Premkumar, R Kamalakannan, V R Arun Krishnan","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i3.1317","DOIUrl":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i3.1317","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The deep fascia is increasingly recognized as a potential source of pain, with densification manifesting as discomfort at myofascial points. Central sensitization (CS) significantly influences pain sensitivity, resulting in temporal, spatial, and threshold alterations in both acute and chronic pain conditions.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This case series investigates the immediate effects of fascial manipulation (FM) on pain at myofascial densified points (MDPs) and on clinical measures of CS.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 10 patients, aged 18-45 years, experiencing pain at MDPs were screened and selected based on specific criteria. Baseline measurements for the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) were collected. Densification points were identified and treated in a single session following the Stecco FM guidelines. Post-intervention values were recorded immediately after FM.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study demonstrated a significant reduction in pain following FM (p ≤ 0.05). Mean VAS scores decreased from 07.33 ± 00.82 pre-intervention to 01.16 ± 01.17 post-intervention, while mean CSI scores decreased from 50.33 ± 07.65 to 30.00 ± 05.17.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings of this case series suggest that FM may produce immediate reductions in pain in patients presenting with myofascial densification and features of CS.</p>","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"19 3","pages":"31-38"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13537314/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148881775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effectiveness of Myofascial Release Versus Traditional Physiotherapy Techniques for Plantar Fasciitis Among Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"M Mubeena, Sathya Siva, Sukumar Ramaswami, A Harishraj, D Boopathy, V Madhubala, Prathap Suganthirababu","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i3.1287","DOIUrl":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i3.1287","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Plantar fasciitis is characterized by degenerative changes and irritation at the origin of the plantar fascia, primarily involving the medial calcaneal tuberosity and the surrounding perifascial soft tissues. Common causes include overuse from activities such as running, prolonged standing, or walking on hard surfaces, which can lead to small tears in the fascia. Other contributing factors include wearing unsupportive footwear, obesity, and foot conditions such as pes planus or cavus.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Fifty-eight subjects with plantar fasciitis were selected and randomly assigned to two groups. Both groups underwent an intervention. The intervention group received myofascial release, while those in the traditional group received calf stretching. Both interventions were administered three sessions per week for 8 weeks. The Functional Foot Index (FFI) and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) were used to assess outcomes before and after the intervention. The significance of the changes observed before and after the intervention was evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann-Whitney <i>U</i> test.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>The Wilcoxon signed-rank test demonstrated a significant reduction in NPRS following both the interventional therapy (<i>Z</i> = -4.898, p < 0.001) and traditional therapy (Z = -4.522, p < 0.001). The Mann-Whitney <i>U</i> test revealed no significant difference between groups at baseline (p = 0.77); however, a significant difference was observed post-intervention (p = 0.002), favoring interventional therapy. Effect sizes for the NPRS were <i>r</i> = 0.32 (small) at baseline and <i>r</i> = 0.58 (large) post-intervention. Similarly, FFI scores demonstrated a significant post-intervention difference between groups (p = 0.005), with effect sizes of <i>r</i> = 0.39 (small) at baseline and <i>r</i> = 0.52 (large) post-intervention.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>According to the study, myofascial release helps individuals with plantar fasciitis by improving function and reducing pain and disability, with no reported adverse effects. This technique appears to be a more effective treatment than traditional physiotherapy, thereby strengthening the evidence base for physical therapy protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"19 3","pages":"21-30"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13537313/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148881794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Manual Lymph Drainage Vodder (MLDV) Increases Facial Function in Bell's Palsy Patients.","authors":"Anastasia Putu Martha Anggarani, Herdianty Kusuma Handari, Retno Widaningrum, Nur Basuki, Timbul Siahaan","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i3.1345","DOIUrl":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i3.1345","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Commonly, Bell's palsy has been treated with conventional therapy, which can cause secondary effects. On the other hand, manual lymph drainage Vodder (MLDV) is an intervention aimed at reducing edema in lymphatic cases. The use of MLDV as an intervention for Bell's palsy has not been extensively studied.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of MLDV on facial function in patients with Bell's palsy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a retrospective study conducted on 125 patients with Bell's palsy, comparing group 1 (MLDV) with group 2 (standard interventions). The study was conducted in Surabaya, Indonesia, from 2017 to 2024. The interventions were administered three times a week for 40-50 min until the patient was declared recovered. The measurements in this study were facial function (House-Brackmann (HB)) and facial muscle strength (manual muscle test).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon test for each group consistently showed p < 0.05 in both facial functional assessment and facial muscle strength. The Mann-Whitney analysis between groups also consistently indicated p < 0.05 for both functional and muscle strength assessments of the face. However, the mean difference was greater in group 1 than in group 2. The mean HB difference in group 1 was -2.11, while in group 2 it was -0.61. The mean muscle strength differences in group 1 was 2.43 and that in group 2 was 0.56.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>MLDV can be used to improve facial function in Bell's palsy cases without the potential for side effects compared to conventional therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"19 3","pages":"50-61"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13537312/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148881871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Managing Musculoskeletal Pain Through Targeted Therapeutic Massage During Pregnancy: A Case Report.","authors":"Kirana Peters","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i3.1271","DOIUrl":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i3.1271","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Musculoskeletal shifts during pregnancy can cause structural stress, leading to pain symptoms. There is evidence that manual therapies such as massage therapy, physical therapy, and chiropractic may be of benefit. Neurosomatic therapy is a treatment that combines structural analysis with a variety of massage techniques to help restore proper postural alignment and alleviate the root cause of musculoskeletal pain.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine the effects of neurosomatic therapy on pain reduction in a pregnant patient during her third trimester.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A 36-year-old female in her third trimester of pregnancy received 10 massage therapy treatments performed by a student at the Center for Neurosomatic Studies. The sessions were conducted twice per week over a 5-week period, and began with an initial interview to gather information about the client's symptoms. Each session also incorporated the use of a posturology chart to assess structural asymmetries, followed by targeted massage therapy techniques. Outcome measures used to track progress included posturology charts, the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), as well as ongoing verbal feedback from the client.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>While the MPQ and QBPDS questionnaires showed no significant improvement, verbal feedback indicated a decrease in or elimination of pain symptoms in some areas and an overall reduction in pain compared to the patient's first pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings suggest that there may be a need for the development of pregnancy-specific pain outcome measures that incorporate normative data that reflects the typical progression of symptoms. Without establishing such baselines, it is challenging to evaluate treatment-related changes in pain and functioning during pregnancy. Neurosomatic therapy may be a helpful intervention for decreasing pain throughout pregnancy; however, research with multiple participants is needed to provide stronger evidence supporting the benefits of this approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"19 3","pages":"7-20"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13537309/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148881788","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Massage Therapy for a Voice Student with Behavioral Dysphonia When Singing: A Case Report.","authors":"Ralph Magliano","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i2.1215","DOIUrl":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i2.1215","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Behavioral dysphonia is a voice condition in which inefficient muscle tension and misuse interrupt the ability of the body to produce the desired vocal function and quality. Treatment methods typically incorporate traditional voice therapy with manual laryngeal manipulation. A lack of treatment approaches for dysphonia exists that address the vocal system including all its subsystems (i.e., breath, phonation, resonance, articulation) and posture. A limited number of reports exist describing the effect of massage therapy to address the vocal system anatomy of a singer with behavioral dysphonia.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This case report explores the effects of a massage protocol targeting the vocal system of a person with symptoms of behavioral dysphonia when singing.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A massage student completing an 8-month massage therapy program performed 90-min massage sessions twice a week for 3 weeks on a 33-year-old student singer/songwriter referred by his vocal instructor with symptoms of behavioral dysphonia. Symptoms presented only during singing and included \"tensing up,\" effortful voice, and vocal fatigue. Massage therapy sessions targeted the structure, musculature, and connective tissue of the whole vocal anatomy. Acoustic, aerodynamic, and physical outcomes were measured pre and post treatment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Baseline forward head posture, elevated shoulder position, cervical hyperlordosis, and thoracic hyperkyphosis, as well as thoracic/head/neck engagement during singing all decreased. Low laryngeal posture neutralized. Vocal range increased by six whole tones. Despite between-session variability, following the final session, loudness had increased by 6 dB, peak expiratory flow by 174 L/min, and inspiratory abdominal wall movement by 5 cm. Maximum phonation time improved within all sessions except on the final day. Functional measures for respiratory fluency, harmonics-to-noise ratio, and vocal range during singing all improved. Singing Voice Handicap Index improved by 9 points but remained below norms.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>A massage protocol addressing the whole vocal anatomy produced positive aerodynamic, acoustic, and physical outcomes in a person who presented with behavioral dysphonia when singing.</p>","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"19 2","pages":"27-45"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13347738/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148425255","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}