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Deep transverse friction massage for treating tendinitis
L Brosseau1, L Casimiro, S Milne
1School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth, Room 3060, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1H8M5. LBROSSEA@UOTTAWA.CA
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|January 10, 2003
Summary
Deep transverse friction massage (DTFM) did not show consistent benefits for tendinitis pain relief or functional improvement in randomized controlled trials. More research with larger sample sizes is needed to determine DTFM
Area of Science:
- Physiotherapy
- Musculoskeletal Medicine
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Tendinitis pain management often involves physiotherapy interventions.
- Deep transverse friction massage (DTFM) is one such suggested treatment.
- The efficacy of DTFM for tendinitis requires thorough assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of Deep Transverse Friction Massage (DTFM) in treating various forms of tendinitis.
- To compare DTFM combined with other therapies against control interventions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) up to June 2002.
- Searched multiple databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane.
- Included studies compared therapeutic ultrasound with control or active interventions for tendinitis.
Main Results:
- One RCT on iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS) found no statistical difference in pain relief with DTFM plus other modalities versus control.
- A separate RCT on extensor carpi radialis tendinitis (ECRT) also showed no significant difference in pain relief, grip strength, or function with DTFM.
- A clinically relevant 22% difference in running pain was noted in the ITBFS trial.
Conclusions:
- Deep transverse friction massage (DTFM) combined with other physiotherapy modalities did not consistently improve pain, grip strength, or functional status for ITBFS or ECRT.
- The small sample sizes of the included RCTs limit the conclusions.
- Further high-quality trials with specific DTFM protocols and adequate sample sizes are necessary to ascertain its specific effects on tendinitis.