Effects of Myofascial Massage and Patient-therapist Communication Levels on Shoulder Muscle Properties in Breast Cancer Survivors With Myofascial Pain

University of Michigan21 enrolled

Overview

The objective of the proposed study is to assess how myofascial massage alters stiffness and microvascular perfusion of shoulder muscles and how these changes are influenced by patient-therapist interactions. The primary hypothesis is that stiffness of shoulder muscles will be decreased, and microvascular perfusion will be increased after a 30-minute myofascial massage, and that the addition of patient-therapist communication levels will result in greater changes with certain levels.

Please note that there are certain details left off of this registration in order to collect information regarding certain aspects of the trial. These details (approved by the IRB) will be updated at the end of the trial.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Pain, Myofacial

Interventions

Participants will have one massage that will last 30 minutes and focus on the chest and shoulder of the side that received the cancer treatment. There will be certain techniques applied during the intervention (per protocol). The timing and order of each element will be varied based on tissue response and patient feedback. All participants will have ultrasounds and complete surveys prior and after the massage.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Previous unilateral breast cancer diagnosis * Treatment for primary breast cancer was completed 3 months to 2 years prior to enrollment (defined as completion of all treatments except oral maintenance therapies) * Myofascial pain in upper quadrant of the chest * Ability to understand and willingness to sign a written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Chronic neuromuscular or orthopedic injury currently affecting upper extremity function that is unrelated to their cancer diagnosis * Currently undergoing physical therapy, occupational therapy or other treatment for side effects related to their cancer diagnosis or other injury to the upper extremity * History of fibromyalgia * Broken or bruised skin in the chest/shoulder area * Diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer * Currently receiving treatment for other forms of cancer

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in muscle stiffness of the pectoralis major

This will be assessed by ultrasound shear wave elastography before and after myofascial massage.

Time frame: Baseline, post massage (approximately 30 minutes and 60 minutes)

Secondary Outcomes

Change in muscle perfusion of the pectoralis major and upper trapezius

This will be assessed by Doppler imaging and superb microvascular imaging before and after myofascial massage.

Time frame: Baseline, post massage (approximately 30 minutes and 60 minutes)

Change in muscle stiffness of the pectoralis major compared between groups

This will be assessed by ultrasound shear wave elastography and compared between patients randomized to a group with restricted or unrestricted communication with the massage therapist.

Time frame: Baseline, post massage (approximately 30 minutes and 60 minutes)

Global Satisfaction measured by the Patient Global Impression of Change will be compared between groups at the different communication levels

This is a one question that participants chose from Very much improved (0) - Very much worse (6).

Time frame: Approximately 60 minutes (during wait period after massage)

Effects of Myofascial Massage and Patient-therapist Communication Levels on Shoulder Muscle Properties in Breast Cancer Survivors With Myofascial Pain

Overview

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes