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Deep transverse friction massage for treating tendinitis
L Brosseau1, L Casimiro, S Milne
1School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1H 8M5. lbrossea@uottawa.ca
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|March 1, 2002
Summary
Deep transverse friction massage (DTFM) did not show significant benefits for iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS) in runners. More high-quality research is needed to determine the effectiveness of DTFM for ITBFS pain management.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Physical Therapy
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS) is a common cause of knee pain in runners.
- Deep transverse friction massage (DTFM) is a proposed physiotherapy intervention for ITBFS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of DTFM in treating ITBFS among runners.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) was conducted.
- Searches included multiple databases up to December 2000, supplemented by reference list and expert contact.
- Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers.
Main Results:
- One small RCT (17 participants) met the inclusion criteria.
- The experimental group received DTFM plus other therapies; the control group received other therapies only.
- No statistically significant difference in pain relief was observed between groups, though a 22% relative difference in pain while running was noted.
Conclusions:
- DTFM combined with other physiotherapy modalities did not demonstrate consistent pain relief benefits for ITBFS in runners.
- The findings are limited by the low methodological quality and small sample size of the included trial.
- Further rigorous research with adequate sample sizes is required to establish the role of DTFM in managing ITBFS.