The Impact of Soft Tissue Techniques in the Management of Migraine Headache: A Randomized Controlled Trial
My Notes
This study delves into the effects of trigger point therapy and stretching on migraine headaches, comparing it to a control group receiving more “general” soft tissue therapy. Before kicking off the study, participants tracked their headaches for two weeks, noting details such as frequency, intensity, duration, and medication usage. Researchers revisited these parameters right after the study and once more a month later.
After gathering baseline information, participants engaged in three 20-minute therapy sessions per week for two weeks, totaling six sessions. The massage techniques involved trigger point therapy on three specific muscles—upper trapezius, suboccipital, and sternocleidomastoid—followed by stretching these muscle groups. Meanwhile, the control group received a "soft and superficial massage" in the same areas. You can find the exact methods and visuals in the detailed article.
I found this article to be an interesting read, making a strong case for the effectiveness of targeted and specific soft tissue techniques in relieving migraine pain. One important thing to keep in mind when considering the results - this study only includes participants whose migraines originate from myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and suboccipital. In the words of the authors, “the results shouldn't be generalized to all individuals with migraine”.
To explore further, check out the abstract and full study linked below. Dive into the authors' discussion on the study's limitations and their hypotheses about why these techniques outperformed other soft tissue therapies. Happy reading! - Alyssa
STUDY
A 2018 randomized controlled trial of a number of individuals with migraine headache in Shiraz and the impact of soft tissue techniques on specific headache parameters.
PURPOSE
Individuals with migraine often present with postural faults and muscle tension that are associated with myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). These trigger points may be a contributory factor to the development of migraine headaches. There are many treatments aimed at eliminating MTrPs, such as soft tissue techniques, laser therapy, and needling therapies. Thus, we performed a randomized controlled trial study to investigate the efficacy of soft tissue techniques in the management of migraine headache.
METHODS
This study was conducted among individuals with migraine headache in Shiraz in 2018. Forty participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: the soft tissue techniques (treatment) group and the placebo control group. Participants in the treatment group were treated over 6 sessions in 2 weeks (combined MTrP therapy and stretching). Headache parameters, drug consumption, score on the Headache Disability Index, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) were measured before and after the intervention and after a 1-month follow-up period. Data were analyzed with 2 × 3 repeated-measures analyses of variance to investigate the differences in variables between the 2 groups.
Results
Compared with baseline and the control group, the treatment group showed a significant reduction in headache parameters (P < .001), drug consumption (P < .001), and Headache Disability Index score (P < .001) immediately after the intervention and after a 1-month follow-up period (all Ps < .001). PPT levels increased in the treatment group in comparison with the control group (P < .001).
CONCLUSION
The soft tissue techniques were helpful for improving certain aspects of migraine, such as headache parameters, drug consumption, functional disability, and PPT levels of cervical muscles.
