Abstract

Research objective are (1) assess the effectiveness of Swedish massage in the treatment of non-specific pain in the lumbar region, to (2) measure the effects of Swedish massage on pain intensity, disability indexes and anxiety levels and to (3) measure pain intensity, disability indexes and anxiety levels before and after a single session. An experimental pilot study was implemented in a private physiotherapeutic center in Athens, Greece.

Forty-five (45) women with non-specific pain in the lumbar region were selected. In this study; Ten sessions performed day after day of classical Swedish massage techniques (effleurage, petrissage, kneading, rolling, friction). The following Outcome Measures were used: Baecke Questionnaire, Pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), Oswestry Disability Index, Rolland-Morris Disability and HAMilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA). The results showed significant pain reduction after the 5^th session which was maintained until the end of the research programme and 1 month after (p=0,006). Only at the end of the 10 sessions there was a statistically significant reduction in anxiety levels between the two groups (p=0,025). Regarding the functional levels, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups at the end of 10 sessions [Rolland-Morris (p=0.000) and Oswestry Disability Index (p=0,001)]. Before and after a single session of Swedish massage, pain intensity and anxiety levels were reduced and functional ability was improved. The Results of this pilot study support the effectiveness of Swedish massage for the treatment of non-specific pain in the lumbar region and its efficacy in reducing pain. If results are confirmed in a larger randomized trial, Swedish massage could be an important component of therapeutic sessions.