NCT04817384

Graston Technique and Classical Massage for Chronic Neck Pain of Children

Comparison of Immediate Effects of Graston Technique and Classical Massage in Primary School Children With Chronic Neck Pain

• Status: Unknown
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 52 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Eastern Mediterranean University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 10 Years – 12 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

In reviews about manual therapy in children, mild, low-speed spinal mobilizations are emphasized as a safe treatment technique in infants, children and adolescents and have been used in clinics for years. Practices such as manipulation and manual therapy should adjust the force and speed used by the specialist practitioner in accordance with the age and developmental level of the child. Studies have emphasized that massage is an effective method in the treatment of chronic pain for children and adolescents. Significantly low pain and positive mood have been reported by children after these manual therapy sessions. Accordingly, the aim of the planned study is to compare the effects of graston technique and classical massage in children with chronic neck pain.

Detailed description

Although there are new physiotherapy interventions for musculoskeletal pain, it is seen that studies about manual techniques are limited in childhood. Graston technique includes a small metallic instrument known as "strigil" and used for therapeutic purposes in ancient Greece and Rome. Another source is based on the traditional Chinese treatment known as "gua sha". Those who found the Graston technique are Dr. Konin, Dr. Greenstein, and Dr. Schrader. The basis of the Graston technique used today was inspired by James Cyriax. When the effects of the Graston technique are investigated, they aim to reduce pain, evaluate and increase soft tissue mobility, and improve range of motion and function. This technique is applied using specially designed curved stainless steel tools. These devices create micro trauma to restore normal elasticity and function in soft tissue. The different structures of the instruments allow to modify the degree of treatment. Small size instruments can be used on smaller anatomical structures and mild symptoms. Larger sized instruments are suitable for large treatment areas and severe conditions. Instruments are applied to the soft tissue at 30-60 degree angles with multi-directional stroking movements. The application time is applied for a maximum of 30 to 60 seconds per tissue site. In addition, whether the problem is acute or chronic is the most important factor that determines the duration of treatment. Total treatment time with instruments is generally minimum 8 minutes. It is applied with a maximum of 20 minutes. In reviews about manual therapy in children, mild, low-speed spinal mobilizations are emphasized as a safe treatment technique in infants, children and adolescents and have been used in clinics for years. Practices such as manipulation and manual therapy should adjust the force and speed used by the specialist practitioner in accordance with the age and developmental level of the child. Studies have emphasized that massage is an effective method in the treatment of chronic pain for children and adolescents. Significantly low pain and positive mood have been reported by children after these manual therapy sessions. Accordingly, the aim of the planned study is to compare the effects of graston technique and classical massage in children with chronic neck pain.

Conditions

• Neck
• Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Graston technique	For Graston practice, children will be asked to sit with a support forward. Vaseline will be used as an intermediate during the application. Instruments made of stainless steel material of a type suitable for the body structures and sizes of the children will be preferred. Larger instruments will be used for larger areas and smaller for smaller regions and fibrocytic areas. The frequency of the plastering and friction movements will be applied in 60 repetitions per minute. While the graston technique is applied to individuals; Superficial muscles in the entire dorsal region will be included in the treatment. These muscles, respectively, the levator scapula, trapezius, and erroctor spina muscles were selected. The treatment time takes approximately 20-25 minutes depending on the area being treated. The instant effects of the people will be looked at.
OTHER	Classical Massage	In the neck massage application, the patient should be prepared, and the clothes in the upper back and neck area should be removed. The position of the patient will be in a sitting position with a pillow in front of him. The trapezius, erector spina and levator scapula muscles will be applied with one hand or both hands, starting with general stroking. The intermediate to be used is baby oil or natural oils. The application time will be approximately 20 minutes.

Timeline

• Start date: 2021-04-01
• Primary completion: 2021-08-01
• Completion: 2021-09-01
• First posted: 2021-03-26
• Last updated: 2021-03-26