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

{"title":"Speaking with One Voice: Advocacy and Professional Stewardship.","authors":"Amanda Baskwill","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i2.1519","DOIUrl":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i2.1519","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Advocacy is widely recognized across the health professions as an ethical responsibility grounded in patient care, yet it is often understood as an individual rather than collective activity. For therapeutic massage and bodywork practitioners, advocacy most often takes the form of patient advocacy enacted within everyday clinical practice. However, repeated encounters with systemic barriers reveal the limits of individual action and prompt a shift toward collective advocacy. Drawing on literature from nursing, pharmacy, mental health, and integrative health, this editorial examines how advocacy extends from individual care to coordinated action across local, national, and global contexts. The discussion emphasizes alignment without uniformity, highlighting the role of shared priorities, negotiated coherence, and professional stewardship. Advocacy is framed not as a departure from care but as its continuation into the structures that shape access, integration, and recognition.</p>","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"19 2","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13347774/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148425296","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":"Effect of Massage Therapy on the Circulatory System: A Literature Review.","authors":"Deepak Bangera, Shrikanth Muralidharan, Raghavendra M Rao","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i2.1343","DOIUrl":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i2.1343","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Massage therapy has been employed for centuries as a method to promote health and well-being, with notable physiological effects on various body systems. Among these, the circulatory system plays a central role in mediating the therapeutic outcomes of massage. This literature review explores contemporary research investigating the influence of massage therapy on cardiovascular parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, peripheral circulation, and vascular function. By synthesizing findings from clinical studies, systematic reviews, and mechanistic investigations, this paper evaluates the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of massage therapy in enhancing circulatory health. The review concludes that while evidence supports beneficial effects, variations in massage modalities, duration, and participant characteristics contribute to inconsistent outcomes, necessitating further rigorous investigation. Practically, the evidence suggests that massage therapy, particularly for populations with hypertension or poor peripheral circulation, could be considered as a complementary treatment. However, further clinical trials with standardized protocols are necessary to refine therapeutic practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"19 2","pages":"87-91"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13347773/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148425263","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 Manual Therapy Versus Strength Training for Iliotibial Band Syndrome on Pain and Functional Recovery in Runners: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Husin F Khizar, Sathya Siva, Sukumar Ramaswami, D Hareeshankar, A Fayaz, Prathap Suganthirababu","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i2.1279","DOIUrl":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i2.1279","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a prevalent overuse injury among runners, characterized by lateral knee pain and associated functional limitations. Rehabilitation strategies commonly include manual therapy and strength training, yet their comparative effectiveness remains under investigation. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of these interventions in reducing pain and promoting functional recovery in runners with ITBS. The findings are intended to inform evidence-based treatment strategies and contribute to the prevention of symptom recurrence.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty-four runners diagnosed with ITBS were randomly assigned to two equal groups (n = 17). Group A received manual therapy, including deep friction massage, stretching, and soft tissue mobilization. Group B followed a structured strength training program that targeted the hip and knee. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) were used to evaluate pain and function, respectively, both before and after a 6-week intervention. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann-Whitney <i>U</i> test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study indicates that both groups exhibited significant improvements in pain and functional scores following the 6-week intervention. Participants in group A (manual therapy) demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in pain, measured by the NPRS (p = 0.002), and a significant improvement in function, as assessed by the LEFS (p = 0.002). In group B (strength training), there was a statistically significant improvement in both pain, as measured by the NPRS (p < 0.001), and function, as measured by the LEFS (p < 0.001). When comparing post-intervention results between groups, strength training demonstrated greater improvement than manual therapy in both NPRS and LEFS. Future research should consider including a third group that receives a combination of manual therapy and exercise to explore potential synergistic effects.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This pilot study concludes that both manual therapy and strength training are effective in reducing pain and improving function in runners with ITBS. However, strength training demonstrated significantly greater benefits over a 6-week intervention period. These findings support the prioritization of hip- and knee-focused strengthening programs in short-term rehabilitation. Further studies with larger samples and longer follow-up periods are needed, including exploration of combined treatment approaches for potential synergistic health effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"19 2","pages":"53-63"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13347770/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148425291","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":"Evaluation of The Spurgeon Method^® as a Manual Therapy Protocol to Improve Shoulder Range of Motion and Function for Postmastectomy Patients.","authors":"Cynthia Veazey, Rebecca L Wolf, Angela Zhu, Curt Bay, Sally Spurgeon, Jennifer Radziak","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i2.1337","DOIUrl":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i2.1337","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Study design: </strong>A single-group pretest-posttest interventional mixed-methods study with longitudinal follow-up.</p><p><strong>Introduction: </strong>After breast cancer surgery, women often experience reduced range of motion in the shoulder and chronic pain that negatively affect mental and physical quality of life and ability to complete daily activities.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To assess The Spurgeon Method^® for improving shoulder range of motion and performance of activities of daily living in postmastectomy women.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Women recovering from breast cancer surgery were recruited from local oncology clinics, cancer centers, and breast cancer support groups. Participants had The Spurgeon Method^® performed once a week for 6 weeks. This manual therapy involves a protocol to improve lymphatic drainage and address fascial restrictions in the muscles of the back, neck, shoulders, and chest. Before and after each session, shoulder abduction, external rotation, and flexion were measured. The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire was used to assess perceived changes in ability to complete daily activities and pain. The range of motion and QuickDASH outcomes were compared between the first and last sessions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty-three women participated in the study: mean (standard deviation) age = 54.1 (10.2) years, range 35-78 years. Participants demonstrated improved range of motion in all planes of motion (all p < 0.03). QuickDASH scores for perceived ability to complete daily activities and pain also improved from the first session to the last (both p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Results suggest The Spurgeon Method^® improved the ability of women post mastectomy to complete activities of daily living with less pain and difficulty. Given this preliminary evidence, this supports the use of targeted techniques to address restrictions commonly experienced by patients after breast cancer surgery. Occupational and physical therapists, massage therapists, and other rehabilitative professionals should consider the use of this protocol to restore range of motion of the shoulder to improve the patient's quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"19 2","pages":"74-86"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13347736/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148425218","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":"Effect of Foot Reflexology Massage on Sleep Quality using Aromatic Oils-A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Deepa Yoganathan, Kalaivani Srinivasan, Karunydevi Rajendran, Priyadharshini Rajamani, Maheshkumar Kuppusamy","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i2.1219","DOIUrl":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i2.1219","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine the impact of reflexology foot massage using aromatic oils on sleep quality in individuals with poor sleep quality.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Single-blind randomized controlled trial.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Yoga and Naturopathy Medical College and Hospital.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Forty adults (20 intervention, 20 control) aged 30-60 years with poor sleep quality were recruited. Inclusion criteria included Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores >5 indicating poor sleep quality.</p><p><strong>Interventions: </strong>The intervention group received daily 20-min foot reflexology massage using aromatic oils for 21 consecutive days. The control group participants remained seated in a quiet room for 20 min daily, focusing on natural breathing, for 21 consecutive days.</p><p><strong>Main outcome measures: </strong>Sleep quality was assessed using the PSQI at baseline and post-intervention (day 22).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Forty participants completed the study (95% female, n = 38) with a mean age of 50.30 ± 8.15 years. The intervention group showed significant improvement in PSQI scores from baseline mean 14.25 ± 2.8 to 10.30 ± 1.4 post-intervention (p < 0.001), while the control group demonstrated minimal change from baseline mean 14.10 ± 2.8 to 14.15 ± 2.6 post-intervention (p = 0.34).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Reflexology foot massage using aromatic oils significantly improved sleep quality in individuals with poor sleep quality. This intervention shows potential as a safe, cost-effective complementary therapy for sleep quality enhancement.</p>","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"19 2","pages":"46-52"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13347735/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148425209","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 Influence of Infant Massage on the Development of Infants Aged 1-3 Months.","authors":"Yanti Herawati, Ira Kartika, Wike Arini, Lina Herlina","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i2.1051","DOIUrl":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i2.1051","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The initial phase of life, commonly referred to as the \"golden age,\" encompasses the first year, a pivotal developmental period for infants, spanning from birth to 12 months. Additionally, prenatal development of the infant warrants consideration. Massage, a gentle tactile therapy targeting specific body areas, facilitates muscle relaxation and enhances blood circulation.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the influence of infant massage on the development of infants aged between 1 and 3 months at Independent Midwife Practice (PMB) Wike A.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This research employed a quantitative approach, utilizing a quasi-experimental design comprising pretest and posttest phases. The research was carried out from February to March 2023, employing a purposive sampling method. The sample for the research comprised 75 infants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The research instruments included the Developmental Pre-Screening Questionnaire (KPSP) and the standard operating procedure for infant massage. Univariate and bivariate analyses were employed for data analysis. In the univariate analysis, the percentage frequency distribution of each distinct subvariable was examined. The Wilcoxon test was utilized for bivariate analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The proportion of infants with appropriate development increased from 41.3% before intervention to 61.3% after intervention. The mean developmental score increased from 7.65 to 8.75, with a mean difference of 1.06. Statistical analysis showed a significant effect of infant massage on development (p = 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Infant massage significantly improves the development of infants aged 1-3 months and can be recommended as an early stimulation intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"19 2","pages":"7-13"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13347794/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148425221","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 Effect of Massage Therapy on Anxiety Levels Experienced by Traditional-Aged Undergraduate Business Students.","authors":"Jorge A Pazmiño, Portia B Resnick","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i2.1151","DOIUrl":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i2.1151","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Anxiety is a prevalent concern among college students, impairing academic performance and increasing attrition risk for universities. Effective interventions are needed to reduce overall and test anxiety during high-stakes assessments.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study explored the effect of massage therapy (MT) in reducing overall and test anxiety in traditional-aged undergraduate business students compared to a comparison group engaged in a relaxation activity (adult coloring).</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>A private liberal arts university in the southeastern United States.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Undergraduate business students (aged 18-23 years) enrolled in accounting, business administration, finance, economics, or marketing.</p><p><strong>Research design: </strong>Quantitative, quasi-experimental, repeated-measures design with both within-subjects (pre-post) and between-subjects (MT vs. adult coloring) evaluations.</p><p><strong>Intervention: </strong>The experimental group received a 30-min MT session administered by a licensed massage therapist 2 h prior to a final exam. The comparison group engaged in a 30-min adult coloring activity.</p><p><strong>Main outcome measure: </strong>Anxiety levels were assessed pre- and post-intervention with the Adult Manifest Anxiety Scale-College Version (AMAS-C).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>MT significantly reduced overall anxiety (mean (M) = 58.79 to 51.68, <i>t</i>(37) = 4.103, p < 0.001, Cohen's <i>d</i> = 0.666) and test anxiety (M = 59.29 to 55.24, <i>t</i>(37) = 2.623, p = 0.013, Cohen's <i>d</i> = 0.426). Analyses of variance confirmed significant main effects of MT on overall anxiety (<i>η</i> ² = 0.314, p < 0.001) and test anxiety (<i>η</i> ² = 0.155, p = 0.015), unaffected by sex at birth or academic classification. Between-group differences with the comparison activity were not statistically significant (p = 0.114), though MT showed a small-to-moderate effect size.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A 30-min MT intervention effectively reduced overall and test anxiety among traditional-aged undergraduate business students when administered within a 2-h window prior to a final exam. MT demonstrates promise as a non-pharmacological strategy to support students during high-stakes academic assessments.</p>","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"19 2","pages":"14-26"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13347771/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148425268","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":"Efficacy of Myofascial Release Compared to Isometric Relaxation Combined with Active Stretching for Rhomboid Trigger Points: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.","authors":"P Kaviyarasan, Sathya Siva, Sukumar Ramaswami, F Khizar Husin, D Hareeshankar, A Fayaz, Prathap Suganthirababu","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i2.1285","DOIUrl":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i2.1285","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in the rhomboid muscles contribute to pain, muscle tightness, and restricted movement, impacting quality of life. Various interventions, including myofascial release (MFR) and isometric relaxation (IR), have been used to alleviate symptoms.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This pilot study aims to explore the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of MFR combined with active stretching versus IR combined with active stretching in the management of rhomboid MTrPs, with the goal of informing the design of future full-scale studies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 50 participants diagnosed with rhomboid MTrPs. Participants were assigned to two groups: group A (MFR with active stretching) and group B (IR with active stretching). Interventions were administered for 4 weeks (five sessions per week). Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and goniometric measurements of range of motion (ROM). Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon method and Mann-Whitney U test via SPSS version 27.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After 4 weeks, group A showed a statistically and clinically significant reduction in NPRS scores from 7.28  ± 0.737 to 5.28 ± 1.061 (p < 0.001, <i>r</i> = 0.59), exceeding the established minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 2 points for the NPRS. In contrast, group B showed a smaller reduction from 7.16 ± 0.800 to 6.44 ± 1.003 (p < 0.001, <i>r</i> = 0.57), which, although statistically significant, did not meet the MCID threshold, suggesting limited clinical relevance. Similarly, ROM improved in group A from 47.16 ± 1.675 to 52.12 ± 1.616 (p < 0.001, <i>r</i> = 0.63) and in group B from 47.36 ± 1.777 to 48.88 ± 2.147 (p < 0.001, <i>r</i> = 0.56). Group A demonstrated greater improvement in both pain reduction and mobility.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study concluded that both treatments were successful in addressing rhomboid trigger points. MFR combined with active stretching demonstrated greater pain reduction and improved flexibility. These findings suggest MFR with active stretching may be a valuable addition to clinical health practice guidelines for managing rhomboid trigger points.</p>","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"19 2","pages":"64-73"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13347737/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148425225","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":"Shaping Understanding: The Role of Professional Language in Massage Therapy.","authors":"Amanda Baskwill","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i1.1459","DOIUrl":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i1.1459","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Language shapes how therapeutic massage and bodywork are perceived by clients, colleagues, policymakers, and the public. Professional credibility depends not only on what practitioners do but also on how they describe their work. The diversity of terms used across research, education, and practice reflects the field's richness but can also blur its public image, limit research coherence, and hinder integration within health systems. This editorial examines the role of language in defining professional credibility and reviews key initiatives that have sought to establish shared terminology and taxonomies. By advancing collaboration across research, education, and practice, massage therapists can continue to refine their professional language. Clear, credible, and inclusive communication strengthens public trust and reinforces massage therapy's contribution to health and well-being across the continuum of care.</p>","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12952958/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349177","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":"Prevalence of Posterior Myofascial Chain Tightness and Presence of Myofascial Trigger Points in Subjects with Cervicogenic Headache.","authors":"Aarti Welling, Vijay Kage, Ashwin Patil, Princia Pereira, Nikita Pujari","doi":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i1.1297","DOIUrl":"10.3822/ijtmb.v19i1.1297","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a secondary headache linked to cervical spine disorders and musculoskeletal dysfunction. Recent research suggests that the posterior myofascial chain, extending from the cervical region to the lower limbs, may contribute to CGH. Muscle tightness and trigger points (TrPs) in this chain can exacerbate headache symptoms. However, limited research on the prevalence of tightness and TrPs in the posterior kinetic chain highlights the need for further investigation to inform targeted treatments.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The main aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of tightness and the presence of TrPs in the muscles of the posterior myofascial chain in subjects with CGH.</p><p><strong>Materials and method: </strong>A total of 1,283 participants were screened using the Cervicogenic Headache International Study Group criteria, identifying 188 with CGH. This cross-sectional study assessed muscle tightness and TrPs in the posterior kinetic chain at one point in time. Seventeen TrPs across the upper back, lower back, and lower limbs were examined by examiner 1. Muscle tightness in the trapezius, thoracolumbar fascia, piriformis, hamstrings, and gastrosoleus was evaluated by examiner 2 using a goniometer or measuring tape.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Data show that participants with left or right CGH have higher tightness percentages in the trapezius (left: 96.93%, right: 98.88%), thoracolumbar fascia (89.89%), and hamstrings (left: 97.95%, right: 95.55%). TrPs were more in the occipital ridge (left: 84.69%, right: 86.66%), splenius capitis and cervicis (left: 65.30%, right: 61.11%), lower cervical spine (left: 90.81%, right: 96.66%), and rhomboid (left: 55.10%, right: 53.33%). A one-sample <i>t</i>-test, which compared the scores to normal values, revealed a significant difference (p = 0.0001) in tightness and TrPs in the posterior kinetic chain.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings indicate that individuals with CGH exhibit a high occurrence of muscle tightness and TrPs on the posterior myofascial chain on the affected side.</p>","PeriodicalId":39090,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: Research, Education, and Practice","volume":"19 1","pages":"57-70"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12952955/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349139","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}