Effect of a State-of-the-Art Thermal Massage System on Biomechanical Muscle Properties, Pain, and Disability in Individuals with Low Back Pain

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, resulting in continuous pain and disability. However, reliable evidence exists for only a few existing therapies for LBP. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a newly designed cutting-edge massage device that uses a mechanical sequential ascending method. Fifteen individuals with LBP underwent mechanical sequential ascending massage method with thermal therapy (AM-TH), thermal therapy (TH), rotating roller massage method with thermal therapy (RM-TH), and clinical assessments. We analysed the participants’ biomechanical muscle properties, pain, satisfaction, and disability measured immediately before and after treatment. There was a significant decline in tone and stiffness in the upper and lower regions of the paraspinal muscles when AM-TH was administered on three or more occasions (p lt; 0.05). AM-TH was more effective than RM-TH in reducing pain, with a significant reduction in pain over time (p lt; 0.05). Participants were most satisfied with RM-TH; over time, RM-TH was effective in improving participants’ disabilities (p lt; 0.05). AM-TH has been demonstrated to be effective in individuals with LBP, improving muscle tone and stiffness and reducing pain. Therefore, it may be a useful treatment for LBP.