# Comparison of the efficacy of connective tissue massage and manual lymphatic drainage in patients with migraine: a randomized controlled trial

## TL;DR

This study compares two massage techniques for migraine patients, finding that each has different benefits for pain and quality of life.

## Contribution

The novel comparison of connective tissue massage and manual lymphatic drainage in migraine treatment reveals distinct therapeutic advantages.

## Key findings

- Connective tissue massage significantly reduced neck pain and disability more than manual lymphatic drainage.
- Manual lymphatic drainage improved overall pain management and quality of life more effectively.
- Both treatments increased pain thresholds and reduced medication use and pain days.

## Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of
connective tissue massage (CTM) and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on neck pain,
disability, quality of life, and pain thresholds in patients with migraine.
Methods: A total of 40 migraine patients were randomly assigned to
either the CTM or MLD group. Quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-36
(SF-36); pain sensitivity and perception were measured using an algometer, and
neck pain was evaluated using the Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPAD). Patients
tracked their headaches in a pain diary for 15 days before and after the
intervention. Both groups received 45 min of treatment twice a week for six
weeks. Results: After treatment, the pain threshold increased
significantly, whereas total medication use and the number of pain days decreased
in both groups. However, while CTM led to a greater reduction in NPAD scores
(p < 0.001), MLD was more effective in improving overall pain
management and enhancing quality of life (p = 0.017).
Conclusions: These findings suggest that CTM and MLD can help migraine
patients, with MLD showing a stronger effect on pain relief and well-being,
whereas CTM being more effective in reducing neck pain and disability. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT05976399.