Comparison of the effectiveness Tepurak therapy with deep tissue massage and stretching in treating non­specific low back pain injuries

Abstract

This study aimed to determine: (1) The effectiveness of Tepurak therapy (press, hit, motion) in treating non-specific Low Back Pain (LBP) injuries. (2) The effectiveness of a combined Deep Tissue Massage with stretching (DTMS) in treating non-specific LBP injuries. (3) A comparison of the effectiveness between Tepurak therapy and the combination of Deep Tissue Massage with stretching in treating non-specific LBP injuries. Recovery indicators included pain level and range of motion (ROM). This pre-experimental research used two distinct sample groups with different treatments. The sample comprised 42 individuals with non-specific LBP injuries, who were randomly divided into two groups of 21. Group A underwent Tepurak therapy (press, hit, motion), while Group B received combined Deep Tissue Massage and stretching (DTMS). Each treatment session lasted 30 minutes. Pain levels were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), while ROM was assessed with the modified Schober Test and the Fingertip-to-Floor instruments. The data analysis employed various tests, including the Paired t-test, Wilcoxon, independent t-test, and Mann-Whitney. The findings revealed that Tepurak therapy reduced pain and significantly enhanced ROM (p < 0.05). Similarly, the Deep Tissue Massage combined with stretching notably diminished pain and improved ROM (p < 0.05). Comparing the pretest and posttest data between Tepurak therapy and the Deep Tissue Massage with stretching on pain and ROM indicators yielded a p-value > 0.05. This suggests that there was no significant difference in the effectiveness of the two therapy types. Based on this study, it's recommended that either Tepurak therapy or the combination of Deep Tissue Massage with stretching can be employed to treat individuals with non-specific LBP. The choice should depend on the specific situation and conditions, taking into account the pros and cons of each therapy type.