The Effectiveness of Massage in Treating Constipation

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Massage Based on the Tensegrity Rule and Classical Abdominal Massage in Persons With Constipation

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of massage based on the tensegrity rule and classical abdominal massage in persons with constipation.

Constipation can be defined as "an embarrassing ailment of the 21st century". It affects about 20-25% of the population, women as well as men, but occurs more frequently in women (female:male ratio of 2.2:1). Persons of different age suffer from it. Constipation is a bothersome ailment which negatively affects the general physical and mental state, lowers physical and mental fitness, significantly hinders professional work, and decreases life comfort As the factors which contribute to the occurrence of constipation are very diverse and complex, the treatment is a long-term and slow process. There are numerous conservative treatment methods for constipation, such as physical treatments, reflexotherapy, biofeedback, pharmacotherapy, and modification of lifestyle. There is also a possibility of applying classical massage in persons with constipation. However, observations of the authors suggest it is not a therapy commonly applied.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. age from 18 to 70 years old
2. after therapy with Vermoks 2*1/ 3 regardless of body weight
3. negative Elis test for lambliasis
4. proper laboratory tests results: bilirubin, FA, GGTP, AspAT, AlAT
5. ultrasound scan of the abdominal cavity
6. positive interview based on questionnaire

Exclusion Criteria:

1. present cancer or prior cancer treatment, if there is no clear agreement of the involved oncologist
2. renal insufficiency > II NYHA
3. cardiovascular problems
4. respiratory insufficiency > II degree GOLD
5. unstable coronary disease
6. hypertensive crisis
7. liver insufficiency
8. prior liver transplant
9. prior or active hepatitis
10. jaundice
11. prior surgical treatments except: appendectomy >5 years before, cholecystectomy 5 years before
12. unequalized endocrinopathies
13. metabolic storage diseases
14. diabetes
15. nephrolithiasis
16. cholelithiasis
17. pancreatitis
18. chronic diseases of the intestines
19. diseases of the muscles
20. pregnancy
21. parasite infections of the digestive system (infection with human roundworm, lambliasis)
22. age above 18 years old
23. BMI> 33
24. improper ultrasound scan result or laboratory tests results
25. blood presence in feces