Deep Friction Massage: Symptomatic

Deep Friction Massage Effects on Pain and Function in Patellar Tendinopathy

Despite DFM being a widely-used technique and the empirical grounding regarding the importance of the pressure applied, there is no study characterizing the pressure applied during DFM, remaining it a discretion of the physiotherapist. Additionally, it is not known how the amount of pressure applied may influence pain mechanisms or function in the symptomatic patellar tendon. Having this, our objective is to characterize the pressure applied during deep friction massage and evaluate the immediate effects of different pressures applied during deep friction massage in the time until analgesia as well as in function, in patellar tendinopathy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The participants should have a symptomatic patellar tendon

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of other previous injuries of the lower limbs;
• Intake of medication that could interfere with pain mechanisms;
• Presence of any factors or conditions that could interfere with the awareness and sensibility to pain.