Massage of the Low Back Muscles Assessed With Ultrasound Scanning

Effect of Fascial Release on Connective Tissue Structure in Human Subjects With Chronic Low Back Pain as Determined by Ultrasound Imaging: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of the study is to use diagnostic ultrasound to compare the thickness of soft tissues in the low back in a group of patients with chronic low back pain treated with massage to a control group of non-treated patients.

It is hypothesized that on average, soft tissue thickness in the lumbar region will change in the group receiving massage compared to the control group.

A specialized form of massage designed to reduce fascial restrictions will be compared to a no-treatment control group based on a change in thickness of the lumbodorsal fascia as determined by ultrasound imaging.

Inclusion Criteria:

• History of chronic low back pain far at least 3 months
• Able to read and write English
• Between 18-64 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior lumbar surgery
• Infected or broken skin over the lumbodorsal fascia
• Major structural spinal deformity
• Specific cause of low back pain, such as tumor, infection, fracture
• Bleeding disorders or use of anticoagulant medications
• Pregnancy
• Litigation for low back pain
• Systemic infection