Comparative Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Neck Massage and Self-Massage on Tension Type Headache

Abstract

Background. Tension-type headache is a common complaint in modern society. Self-massage or massage can be prescribed to reduce it, but it is still unclear which of these techniques is more effective in reducing tension-type headaches.

The aim of the study is to determine the short-term and long-term effects of neck massage and self-massage in tension-type headache.

Methods. 30 people participated in the study, who were randomly divided into two groups: massage and self-massage, 15 people in each group. Outcome measures were subjects’ headache intensity, active head range of motion, fatigue, and functional and emotional disability index pre and post the nine-week interventions and long-term effect – one month after the interventions.

Results. Both massage and self-massage after the 9-week interventions significantly reduced pain-related indicators. One month after the interventions, the headache intensity, fatigue, functional and emotional disability of subjects in the self-massage group were significantly (p < 0.05) lower, and the active amplitudes of neck movements were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in the massage group.

Conclusions. Both massage and self-massage significantly reduced subjects’ headaches, increased head range of motion, reduced fatigue, and functional and emotional disability. However, one month after the interventions, the long-lasting effect of self-massage was significantly superior to the massage group.

Keywords: pain, functional disability, emotional disability, fatigue.