Application of tensegrity massage in spinal pain complaints

Background: Nowadays, back pain is a global health, social, and economic problem, considered a disease of civilization. The problem affects about 80-85% of the population in Poland and 70% worldwide. It occurs in people of all ages, regardless of gender or type of work. Among the many physiotherapy methods used for acute and chronic spinal pain is therapeutic massage. Aim of the Study: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of tensegrity massage for back pain. Material and methods: The study material consisted of a group of 25 patients with back pain, ranging in age from 22 to 78 years (mean M = 54 years). Sixteen women and nine men participated in the study. Before and immediately after therapy, palpation of selected tissues, pain assessment using the VAS scale, and assessment of disability using the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire were performed. Massage therapy lasted 3 weeks, twice a week, with treatments lasting 45 minutes at a time. Results: After therapy, pain complaints (visual analog scale – VAS) decreased (p>0.001), and scores on the Oswestry questionnaire decreased (p>0.001), indicating less physical disability. A statistically significant asymmetry in perceived pressure sensitivity on palpation was observed both before and after therapy. In both studies, the level of pressure pain experienced on the right side was significantly higher (p < 0.05). A statistically significant (p = 0.01) negative correlation was observed between the change in the level of physical disability and the change in tissue sensitivity in palpation assessment as a result of therapy (rho = -0.539).Conclusions: Tensegrity massage is an effective method of relieving spinal pain. It can be used in the treatment of chronic spinal conditions.