Massage therapy effects in a long-term prosthetic user with fibular hemimelia

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2015 Apr;19(2):261-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2014.04.005. Epub 2014 Apr 18.

Abstract

Background: Individuals with lower limb amputation (LLA) commonly experience low back pain (LBP). Although massage effects on LBP are well-documented, research regarding massage for individuals with LLA is scarce.

Objectives: This study evaluated the effectiveness of massage therapy to promote activity level, decrease LBP, and improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a long-term prosthetic user.

Methods: The 50-day study consisted of two baseline sessions, seven treatment sessions that included a 50-min massage applied to major gait muscles, and two follow-up sessions. Pedometer-measured ambulatory activity level, visual analog scale-measured pain level, and RAND-36 Health Survey 1.0-determined HRQOL were assessed.

Results: Pain level decreased, HRQOL increased, and no change occurred in ambulatory activity level.

Conclusion: For the participant, therapeutic massage intervention lead to successful LBP symptom management.

Keywords: Amputation; HRQOL; Manual therapy; low back pain.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Artificial Limbs / adverse effects*
  • Ectromelia / surgery*
  • Female
  • Fibula
  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain / etiology*
  • Low Back Pain / rehabilitation*
  • Massage / methods*
  • Quality of Life