Results of two different manual therapy techniques in chronic tension-type headache

This study was performed in order to compare the effectiveness of two different manual treatment methods in patients with chronic tension type headache (TTH). A total of 35 patients were randomly assigned into two groups; 30 of them completed the treatment programs. Superficial heat and classical massage were applied to both groups. In addition to these methods, connective tissue manipulation (CTM) was performed to Group I (n = 15) and Dr. James Cyriax's vertebral mobilisation to Group 11 (n = 15). Treatment consisted of 20 sessions during four weeks. The following parameters were evaluated before treatment, immediately after treatment, and one month after the treatment in order to compare the effectiveness of the methods: headache index values, active cervical range of motion, and pressure pain threshold values. Results of the study indicated that all of the parameters showed significant improvements in both groups: there were no differences between the groups as regards the headache index, the pressure pain threshold values and the active range of motion (p > 0.05). In conclusion, both treatments can be used in patients with chronic tension-type headache.