Deep Friction Massage Effects: Asymptomatic

Despite DFM being a widely-used technique and the empirical grounding regarding the importance of the pressure applied, there is no study characterizing the pressure applied during DFM, remaining it a discretion of the physiotherapist. Additionally, it is not known how the amount of pressure applied may influence pain mechanisms and, consequently how it affects the time needed promote an analgesic response. Having this, our general objective is to establish a dose-response relationship between the pressure applied during DFM and time of onset of analgesia, in the asymptomatic patellar tendon.