Electronic Approach to the Human Massage Therapist

Comparing an Electronic Approach to the Human Massage Therapist.

The purpose of this study is to gather information about patient experience receiving a massage through a robotic EMMA (Expert Manipulative Massage Automation) compared to receiving a massage from a massage therapist.

Patients being evaluated in an outpatient service will be invited to participate in this study if they report a primary pain point in Low Back. Once they are enrolled in the study, they will be randomized to the type of massage therapy they will receive. Direct massage therapy through a certified massage therapist or indirect massage therapy through EMMA operated by a certified massage therapist.

Inclusion Criteria:

• be 18 years of age or older.
• report a primary pain point in the lower back.
• Pain intensity reported at baseline
• Women of childbearing potential who self-report not being pregnant and agree to employ an effective method of birth control (surgical sterilization or oral contraceptives, barrier method with spermicides, intrauterine device, etc.) during the study period
• be able to participate fully in all aspects of the study.
• have understood and signed study informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Patients with the inability to stay in a prone position
• Patients with bleeding disorders
• Patients with allergies and/or local skin affectations
• have used pain medications or participated in a pain treatment within three days of study enrollment.
• have an implanted device (including a lap band) in the targeted area of massage therapy.
• have used an investigational drug within 30 days of study enrollment.
• have a history of any major cardiovascular events including heart valve disease, ongoing angina, cardiac arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or peripheral vascular disease.
• have clinically significant acute or chronic progressive or unstable neurologic, hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, metabolic disease (such as uncontrolled diabetes type 2) active cancer, actively receiving treatment for cancer or within 1 year of cancer remission.
• surgical intervention for pain within 1 month prior to enrollment.
• active infection, wound or other external trauma to the areas to be treated with massage therapy.
• have a known history of any condition or factor judged by the investigator to preclude participation in the study or which might hinder adherence.