Does the Addition of Manipulation Provide Added Benefit to Massage Therapy for Tension-type Headache Patients?

Objective. To compare the benefits of spinal manipulation combined with massage therapy versus massage alone in patients with tension-type headache (TTH) on the frequency, intensity and disability caused by headache and on cervical range of motion. Method. A factorial, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with a sample of 105 subjects diagnosed with TTH, divided into two groups: a) the treatment group received a manipulative technique followed by massage of the cervical and suboccipital region; a) the control group received massage alone. Four sessions (once per week) were applied over four weeks. The Headache Disability Inventory (HDI) was used to evaluate changes in the frequency and severity of headache and functional and emotional aspects of headache. Range of upper cervical and cervical flexion and extension were evaluated. Measures were conducted at baseline, immediately after the intervention (week 4) and at a follow up 8 weeks after completion of the intervention.