Key Takeaway
Percussion massage therapy significantly reduced pain and disability in cervical disc herniation patients, with effects comparable to instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.
Summary
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of percussion massage therapy (PMT) and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) for cervical disc herniation. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to three groups: PMT plus exercise, IASTM plus exercise, or exercise alone (control).
All groups received a standardized exercise program over 6 weeks. The PMT group received percussion massage targeting the cervical paraspinal muscles, upper trapezius, and levator scapulae. Outcomes included pain (VAS), disability (Neck Disability Index), range of motion, and muscle endurance.
Both PMT and IASTM groups showed significantly greater improvements in pain, disability, and cervical range of motion compared to the exercise-only control group. The PMT and IASTM groups performed similarly, suggesting percussion massage is a viable alternative to hands-on soft tissue techniques for managing cervical disc herniation symptoms.
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