Court-Type Thai Traditional Massage for Patients with Intractable Peripheral Neuropathic Pain: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Angkana Apichartvorakit; Pramote Euasobhon; Suksalin  Booranasubkajorn; Supakij Suwannatrai; Manmas  Vannabhum; Darunee Rattanawongsamathakul; Sawita  Prasartpornsirichoke; Pravit  Akarasereenont; Apichat  Asavamongkolkul

doi:10.33192/smj.v75i8.262655

Authors

Angkana Apichartvorakit Center of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Pramote Euasobhon Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Suksalin Booranasubkajorn Center of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Supakij Suwannatrai Center of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Manmas Vannabhum Center of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Darunee Rattanawongsamathakul Center of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Sawita Prasartpornsirichoke Center of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Pravit Akarasereenont Center of Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Apichat Asavamongkolkul Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33192/smj.v75i8.262655

Keywords:

Chronic pain, Complementary therapies, Intractable pain, Massage, Pain intensity, Peripheral neuropathic pain, Quality of life, Randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: Neuropathic pain management involves both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Despite this, no prior research has demonstrated the efficacy of court-type Thai traditional massage (CTTM) for neuropathic pain relief. This study aimed to investigate the potential benefits of CTTM in alleviating neuropathic pain.

Materials and Methods: A preliminary single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted on 28 participants with peripheral neuropathic pain, who were equally assigned to 2 groups. Both groups received standard drug treatment; however, the intervention group additionally received CTTM and hot herbal compression, while the active control group only received HHC. The adjuvant treatments were administered twice weekly for 4 weeks (V1-V8). A follow-up was conducted 4 weeks posttreatment (V9). Outcome measures were assessed at V1, V4, V8, and V9 using a numerical rating scale and the Thai versions of the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory, the Brief Pain Inventory, and the EQ‑5D‑5L health questionnaire.

Results: The data revealed that the intervention and active control groups had statistically significant differences in their pain intensity scores (P < 0.001), total neuropathic pain intensity scores (P = 0.001), and utility of health scores (P = 0.007) during the follow-up period. When comparing outcomes between V1 and V8, the groups exhibited significant differences in pain reduction (P = 0.003) and quality of life (P = 0.027).

Conclusion: This study provides initial evidence supporting the potential benefits of CTTM in alleviating peripheral neuropathic pain and improving quality of life. Future research should further investigate the application of CTTM in managing peripheral neuropathic pain conditions.

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