The effect of deep tissue massage on pain and on quality oflife as well as exercise in individuals with chronic lowback pain

Low back pain is the most common cause of labor loss and the reason for not going to work. Long-lasting low back pain causes a decrease in the quality of life of individuals. In some people, low back pain can lead to depression disorder. In individuals with low back pain, many different types of exercise training and treatment modalities are applied to reduce pain and restore back function. Massage, which has a history of thousands of years, is also one of the most basic alternative treatment methods applied in the world today. In this study, we investigated how deep tissue massage applied in addition to exercise program would have an effect on pain and quality of life in individuals with chronic low back pain. The average age of those being followed in the Gaziantep was women; 61.30 and men; and 38.70 of the volunteers, 62 men and women with chronic low back pain, were included in the stud .In the study, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Short Form-36 (SF-36), which assess the health, mental and physical condition of the individual, were used to evaluate the severity of pain ; and proven validity and reliability scales were used. Individuals were divided into two groups by simple randomization method and one group underwent deep tissue massage and william flexion exercises.The other group was given only William flexion exercises. The study, which was given 8 sessions 2 days a week with a physiotherapist and as a home program on other days, lasted a total of 4 weeks. The study on exercise and massage groups showed a significant decrease in pain levels (p<0.05), a significant increase in quality of life, lumbar extensor muscle strength and abdominal muscle strength levels (p<0.05). As a result of this study, deep tissue massage combined with exercise reduced pain, increased quality of life and novelization of muscle strength.