TRADITIONAL CHINESE MASSAGЕ (TUINA) FOR CHRONIC NECK PAIN

ABSTRACT Chronic neck pain is something common which can be hard to treat. There is limited evidence for the efficiency of differ-ent alternative therapies. This research aimed to assess the efficiency of the traditional Chinese massage on the range of motion and intensity of pain in the cervical area of the spinal column. Objects and methods: 38 patients with chronic neck pain were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The control group performed only controlled therapeutic exercises. The patients from the experimental group were subjected to ten Chinese therapeutic massages and therapeutic exercises twice a week. The range of motion in the neck was assessed with a universal goniometer for flexion, potations, and lateral flexion. The intensity of the pain was assessed with the visual-analogical scale. At the end of the research, we found statistically significant, better results in the EG in the left rotation (58,4° ± 2°), right rotation (54,4° ± 2,1°), right lateral flexion (32,6° ± 4,7°), and left lateral flexion (37,2° ± 5,6°), with a statistical significance level (p < .05). Tracing the dynamics in the pain symptoms showed a reduction in the pain in both groups of patients, with a significant downward trend in the experimental group. Conclusion: Traditional Chinese massagе alleviates pain symptoms and relaxes the increased muscle tone, which leads to an increase in the range of motion in the neck area. Compared to routine physiotherapy, the Chinese massage methods has a proven effect on the traced indicators.