The investigators have previously found moderately painful massage produces comparable changes in pain sensitivity as a conditioned pain modulation paradigm in healthy participants suggesting shared underlying mechanisms. The researchers aim to extend these findings by understanding the influence of expectation on these findings.
Massage is a muscle biased intervention individuals seek for pain alleviation; however, the mechanisms of massage are not well established. In this study, the investigators aim to determine the effect of expectations on massage related hypoalgesia. Individuals meeting eligibility criteria and agreeing to participate will attend one session that lasts approximately one hour. A myofascial trigger point (taut band of muscle tissue) will be assessed on the neck of the participant. Next, a baseline assessment of pressure pain threshold will be performed followed by random assignment to one of four study arms.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
56
A pain inducing massage (pain intensity = 50/100) will be applied for 60 seconds, 4 times.
A pain free massage (pain intensity = 0/100) will be applied for 60 seconds, 4 times.
Participants will be instructed that the massage is effective for some people with neck pain.
UF Health
Gainesville, Florida, United States
Pressure Pain Threshold
A computerized pressure algometer with a 1cm diameter rubber tip will be applied to the web space of the non-dominant foot. Participants are instructed to say "stop" so the stimulus can be terminated when the sensation first transitions from pressure to pain (threshold).
Time frame: 1 hour
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Participants will be instructed that the massage is ineffective for some people with neck pain.