Massage therapy effects in a long-term prosthetic user with fibular hemimelia.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with lower limb amputation (LLA) commonly experience low back pain (LBP). Although massage effects on LBP are well-documented, research regarding massage for individuals with LLA is scarce.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effectiveness of massage therapy to promote activity level, decrease LBP, and improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a long-term prosthetic user.

METHODS: The 50-day study consisted of two baseline sessions, seven treatment sessions that included a 50-min massage applied to major gait muscles, and two follow-up sessions. Pedometer-measured ambulatory activity level, visual analog scale-measured pain level, and RAND-36 Health Survey 1.0-determined HRQOL were assessed.

RESULTS: Pain level decreased, HRQOL increased, and no change occurred in ambulatory activity level.

CONCLUSION: For the participant, therapeutic massage intervention lead to successful LBP symptom management.