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

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.

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The children who have a chronic neck pain diagnosed by physician.
• The children who have minimum 10 degree limitation in at least one of neck movements.
• The children who have pain in neck region higher than 3 from Wong Baker pain scale.
• The children who state that they have neck pain for at least 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• The children who have other pain related to neurological or other orthopedic problem apart from neck region.
• The children who have any chronic disease requiring use of medicine like Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus.
• The children who have open wound in neck region which may affect the interventions.