The Influence of Manual Therapy in the Quality of Life in Tension-Type Headache

Summary

The present study aims to assess the quality of life of patients suffering from tension-type headache (TTH) treated for 4 weeks with different manual therapy-based techniques. The study design involved a factorial, randomized, double-blind, controlled study

Conditions

• Quality of Life

Interventions

OTHER

Suboccipital inhibitory

According to this technique, the suboccipital musculature is palpated until contact is made with the posterior arch of the atlas, and progressive and deep gliding pressure is applied, pushing the atlas anteriorly. The occiput rests on the hands while the atlas is supported by the fingertips. Finger pressure must be maintained for 10 minutes to produce the therapeutic effect of inhibiting the suboccipital soft tissues. The aim is to suppress spasm of the muscles and in general of the suboccipital soft tissues which are responsible for any dysfunctional mobility of the occiput, atlas, or even the axis.

OTHER

Spinal manipulative

This technique is performed along an imaginary vertical line passing through the odontoid process of the axis. No flexion or extension and very little lateroflexion are used. Application is bilateral. First, cephalic decompression is performed lightly, followed by small circumductions. Selective tension is applied to take up tissue slack and create a firm joint barrier. Manipulation is then performed with rotation towards the manipulated side in a helicoidal cranial movement. This technique is designed to correct a generalized dysfunction with the aim of restoring occiput, atlas, and axis joint mobility

OTHER

Combined treatment

Consisted in applying the above two techniques using exactly the same sequence: first the SI technique, and then the SM technique.

OTHER

Control group.

The subjects received no treatment, but attended the same number of sessions, maintaining the resting position for longer than the experimental groups, and underwent the same evaluations (test for arterial compromise, and the three assessments).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Valencia

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Gemma V Espí-López, PhD · Department of Physiotherapy

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

FACTORIAL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2013-03-31

Primary Completion

2013-05-31

Completion

2013-12-31

Countries

• Spain

Study Locations